The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that more than two tons of natural uranium are missing from supplies in Libya. The agency is now working diligently to locate the unaccounted-for radioactive material.
On Wednesday, a spokesman from the nuclear watchdog informed CNN via email that during an inspection on March 14, approximately 2.5 tons of natural uranium, contained in 10 drums, were found to be missing. The IAEA’s statement reads, “Agency safeguards inspectors found that 10 drums containing approximately 2.5 tons of natural uranium in the form of uranium ore concentrate were not present as previously declared at a location in the State of Libya.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has notified the agency’s member states about the situation, and officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the uranium. The primary objective of the ongoing investigation is to determine what happened to the missing radioactive material and to locate its current whereabouts. As the situation unfolds, the IAEA remains committed to ensuring nuclear security and safety on a global scale.
