A North Korea analysis Web site says new evidence has surfaced that suggests Pyongyang may be preparing to restart the Radiochemical Laboratory in its Yongbyon nuclear facility.
 
The Web site 38 North, a program of the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, made the assessment in a report issued Wednesday based on satellite imagery taken on November 4.
 
The report said observation of “steam coming from a large cooling tower located at buildings associated with the Radiochemical Laboratory is consistent with maintenance, testing and other activities before commencing operations.”
 
It explained that the Radiochemical Laboratory separates weapons-grade plutonium from waste products in spent nuclear fuel rods.
 
In addition it said that throughout this summer and into the fall there was little activity at this facility. However on November 4, “steam was seen rising from a large cooling tower at auxiliary buildings just southeast of the plutonium separation building.” The report said such buildings “contain repair workshops, chemicals for the complex, and waste treatment plants.”