In Novouralsk, at the Rosatom plant, the Ural Electrochemical Plant, one of the cylinders with depleted uranium hexafluoride with a volume of 1 m3 was depressurized. According to the E1 portal, citing a source, one person died at the enterprise because of this. According to official figures, we are talking about one victim.
Here's what the company's official statement on the situation looks like:
On July 14, at 09.13, a depressurization of a cylinder with depleted uranium hexafluoride with a volume of 1 m3 occurred in shop 53 of UEIP. One victim. The situation is local in nature and limited to the territory of the production site. The staff of the shop was evacuated, sanitization is being carried out. The radiation situation at the enterprise and beyond is normal (the activity of depleted uranium is less than that of natural uranium ore). There is no danger for the residents of Novouralsk and the personnel of the plant. The causes of the incident are being established. UEIP is operating normally.
The regional investigative committee declined to comment on the death of a worker at the plant, writes E1.
The head of Novouralsk, Vyacheslav Tyumentsev, addressed the residents amid the news and urged them not to panic:
“I appeal to the residents of Novouralsk with a request not to panic, not to spread messages through instant messengers. Take care of your loved ones, explain to friends and family that there is no danger. The situation is under control."
The Ural Electrochemical Combine is the world's largest uranium enrichment enterprise. About 50% of Russian and about 20% of the world's industrial capacities for the separation of uranium isotopes are concentrated in it. More than 80% of JSC UEIP products are exported.
