South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has issued a statement supporting the release of a Request for Information (RFI) by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) for a new multipurpose nuclear research reactor (MPR). The Department noted that the project, to replace the existing SAFARI-1 research reactor, had been approved by the Cabinet last September. SAFARI-1 is located at Necsa’s complex at Pelindaba, west of Pretoria. “The DMRE believes that this project will ensure South Africa remains amongst the top four global radioisotopes producers as well ensuring continuation of research and development on nuclear technology,” affirmed the Department in its statement. “This places Necsa on path to provide much needed radioactive isotopes for medical and industrial applications, execution of research through beam lines, bolster massive infrastructure development and create thousands of sustainable jobs which are essential for our economy.”
