ANSTO’s Gordon Thorogood (left) and Robert Raposio examine the cylindrical, porous, reusable Mo-99 targets. (Photo: ANSTO)

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) announced that it has made progress on a more cost-effective way to produce the medical radioisotope molybdenum-99, with less enrichment of uranium-235 and less waste produced.

The only nuclear reactor in Australia has returned to power after a monthslong shutdown for planned essential maintenance and upgrades. The OPAL (for open-pool Australian light water reactor) research reactor at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) campus in Sydney successfully went through the most significant engineering maintenance and upgrade project in its 17-year history.