October 17 1997

Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited

JNFL announced that test operations at RE-2A (150tSWU/a) which were begun on 18 June 1997 have been completed, and that full-scale operations were started at noon today.

With the start of full-scale operations at RE-2A (150tSWU/a), capacity at the Rokkasho Uranium Enrichment Plant, including the already operating RE-1(600tSWU/a) will be 750 tons SWU annually.

During the test period, two of the centrifuges were judged to be incapable of further operation and were removed from service.

Phase I (RE-1 [600tSWU/a])
1987	May	Application to operate nuclear fuel manufacturing business filed
1988	August	Permission to operate nuclear fuel manufacturing business granted
	October	Construction of RE-1 uranium enrichment plant begins
1992	March	Operations at RE-1A (150tSWU/a) begin
	December	Operations at RE-1B (150tSWU/a) begin
1993	May	Operations at RE-1D (150tSWU/a) begin
1994	September	Operations at RE-1C (150tSWU/a) begin
Phase II (Stage 1 of RE-2 [450tSWU/a])
1992	July	Application to expand nuclear fuel manufacturing business filed
1993	July	Permission granted
	September	Construction of RE-2 uranium enrichment plant begins
1997	October	Operations at RE-2A (150tSWU/a) begin
1998	April	Operations at RE-2B(150tSWU/a) scheduled to begin
1999	April	Operations at RE-2C(150tSWU/a) scheduled to begin

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