An Idaho-based company, along with Advanced Process Technology Systems of Paducah, has expressed interest in taking over operations of the U.S. Department of Energy's Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant if current lessee, the United States Enrichment Corporation, is unable to extend operations past next month.
International Isotopes, Incorporated produces isotopes used in radiation therapy for certain cancers as well as those used to calibrate medical equipment. International Isotopes (INIS) CEO Steve Laflin says they have been aware of USEC's lease schedule for some time. He says if INIS is awarded a lease the gaseous diffusion process ongoing at plant would create the raw material, the spent uranium "tails," for their product.
Laflin says previous positive experience working with Advanced Process Technology Systems also factored into their decision to enter into their joint venture. Laflin says the Expression of Interest process with the Energy Department has no set deadline. But he says he hopes to hear back from the DOE within the next couple of months.
