Europeans make moves on MOX; BNFL on the fast track; Cogema looks for growth

Many forces have surfaced to restrain the growth of a MOX (mixed uranium and plutonium oxide) fuel market: the move away from reprocessing and fast reactors; continued low uranium prices; and political opposition. However, the arguments for recycling and the potential availability of military plutonium has given it new life. In response, Cogema is planning to expand production at its MELOX plant and BNFL is fast-tracking construction of a commercial MOX fabrication plant at Sellafield. (UK)