The IAEA LEU Bank is safe and secure.
LEU has been safely stored in many countries for many years without harming human health or the environment. For over 60 years, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant has been safely and securely handling and storing nuclear materials, including LEU.
The Safety and security of the IAEA LEU Bank are governed by Kazakhstan’s legal and regulatory requirements, and meet the applicable provisions of the IAEA’s safety standards and security guidance documents.
Similarly to all nuclear material in Kazakhstan, the IAEA LEU Bank is subject to IAEA safeguards pursuant to Kazakhstan’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol with the IAEA. All nuclear material in Kazakhstan is subject to IAEA safeguards.