Publication Laka-library:
Secrets, lies and uranium enrichment: The classified Silex project at Lucas Heights (2004)
| Author | Greenpeace |
 | - |
| Date | November 2004 |
| Classification | 4.22.5.20/01 (AUSTRALIA - ENRICHMENT) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
FOREWORD The SILEX technology, has a number of applications, including: uranium enrichment; silicon enrichment, for advanced semiconductor materials; and carbon enrichment, for advanced semiconductor and medical diagnostic materials. For uranium enrichment, Silex has the advantages, compared with other enrichment methods, of low power consumption and capital costs. These are significant advantages - hence the considerable interest in Silex. Highly enriched uranium can be used as the fissile material to fabricate nuclear weapons. Methods to enrich uranium like Silex are, therefore, of major concern and progress in them should be carefully monitored. This comprehensive report is factual and an important addition to the literature about enrichment techniques, particularly laser enrichment techniques. It explains current research into laser enrichment and its links to nuclear weapons programs. Australia has been considered a nuclear weapons capable state for many years, and that perfection of laser technologies is fundamental to a modern weapons programme. There are many more applications for laser technology to weapons research and development. All attempts to prevent the spread of nuclear technologies have failed. If Silex is fully developed it is, to say the least, highly likely that eventually the technology could be used for the production of fissile materials for use in nuclear weapons. Countries interested in setting up clandestine programs to produce highly enriched uranium for use in nuclear weapons will find Silex an attractive technology. The Australian government's support of this technology undermines its stated commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. Furthermore, conducting this research in a nuclear facility that the public is told is mainly engaged in medical research is hypocritical. This report should be widely read, particularly by politicians and diplomats. It is essential reading for those interested in nuclear disarmament issues, international politics, international relations and strategic studies.
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