Reprocessing
Chemical separation of uranium, plutonium from spent fuel fission products. PUREX process recovers 99% actinides for MOX recycle.
Dissolves fuel in nitric acid; solvent extraction yields U/Pu streams. France: La Hague processes 1100 t/year. Reduces waste volume 90%, HLW mass 5x. US ban lifted for R&D; Oklo/others pursue.
Why it matters now
Reprocessing unlocks fuel resources amid 2025-2026 HALEU shortages. Supports closed fuel cycles for SMR fleets and data centers.
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