In the meeting convened today, the Board of Directors has decided to revise the completion timing of the Reprocessing Plant from 'October 2012' to 'October 2013', and reported the change to Vice Governor Sasaki and Prefectural Assembly Chairman Nishiya. The details of the Board decision are as follows:

1. Review of the schedule in view of the results of the preliminary verification test at the glass melter

The active test at the glass melter became suspended in October 2008 upon the deterioration of the flow of glass discharge. For around two years, a testing facility of the actual scale (KMOC) in Tokai Village has been used to carry out thorough verification tests using simulated liquid waste, achieving improvements to the facilities (e.g. additional installation of thermometers) and operation method. Prior to resuming the test on the glass melter, it was decided to conduct preliminary verification tests to ensure that the operation method, examined at KMOC, could be applied to the actual glass melter, before moving on to the vitrification tests. The preliminary verification tests were completed by August 31.

The tests have confirmed substantial improvement to the setting and sedimentation tendency of platinum group elements, and the maintenance of glass temperatures within the target control range, thereby fulfilling the conditions for safe plant operations. Accordingly, the path has been cleared for performing vitrification tests in preparation for moving on to the next step, i.e. the pre-operation inspection.

In view of the current level of progress, the Board has closely examined the schedule, including the timeframe for future items such as the vitrification tests and statutory inspections, and decided to revise the completion timing to October 2013.

2. Specific steps to be taken up to the completion

Currently, JNFL has completed internal checks of the furnace on System B of the glass melter and is preparing for the chipping operation to remove residual materials in the furnace. When this is completed, internal checks of the furnace will be performed on System A, followed by the chipping operation as required. Alongside the internal checks, JNFL will inspect the plant's electrical and mechanical facilities as well as facilities around the melters, which are normally performed once a year during summer.

Vitrification tests are then commenced on System B by the end of this year, followed by an annual statutory inspections (for around 3 months). Vitrification tests on System A is then carried out, before the vitrification facility undergoes the government's pre-operation inspections (for approx. 6 months, including the vitrification tests on System A and B as well as the government's pre-operation inspections). This is followed by the submission of a report to the government, summarizing the results of the active tests, for deliberations and official completion.

Regardless of the ten-month suspension of tests due to the earthquake, JNFL wish to express its regret over the postponement of the completion timeframe.
We are committed to taking the safety-first approach and making steady company-wide efforts for completing the plant by October 2013.