On the application of IAEA safeguards to plutonium and highly enriched uranium from military inventories

Abstract

Progress toward the reduction of nuclear arsenals may render surplus hundreds of tonnes of plutonium and highly enriched uranium by the end of the century. None of the acknowledged nuclear weapon states (NWS) is under a specific obligation to submit surplus military inventories to international control. However, inviting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to apply safeguards to the plutonium and highly enriched uranium (HEU) released from military use could contribute to building confidence as part of the reductions currently envisaged and could encourage further steps within the states currently planning reductions or by other NWS. If invited, specific arrangements for the application of IAEA safeguards to plutonium and highly enriched uranium from military inventories would be determined by: the institutional provisions adopted; the specified verification requirements; the amounts and forms of plutonium and HEU and the types of facilities to be safeguarded; facility-specific features for the control and accounting of the plutonium and HEU; and the number of facilities where safeguards will be applied. These considerations would be used to establish the most appropriate verificiation arrangements, including the technology to be employed and inspection scheduling arrangements, to provide effective and efficient safeguards. If an invitation is made, the IAEAmore » Board of Governors must approve of the obligations and commitments of the states involved and of the financial arrangements that will ensure the safeguards can be implemented as agreed. 2 tabs.« less