Introduction
Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) is the precursor to technetium-99m (99mTc), the most widely used radionuclide in diagnostic nuclear medicine. Mo-99 is produced through nuclear fission or activation methods. With the global transition from highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU) targets for fission-based production, there have been significant changes in the volume and characteristics of the resulting radioactive residual materials, as well as in the requirements for their management.
Mo-99 production processes generate unique waste streams that, while sharing some similarities with irradiated research reactor fuel, require distinct and often customized approaches for minimization, treatment, conditioning, and disposal. Effective management of these residual materials is a critical component of Mo-99 production and must be considered throughout process planning, facility design, and operational phases.
This meeting will serve as a technical forum for professionals from institutions engaged in Mo-99 production or related technology development. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange practices, experiences, and lessons learned in the management of residual radioactive materials and waste associated with Mo-99 production.
Objectives
The purpose of this event is to have a forum for producers of Mo-99 and potential producers of Mo-99 to discuss methods of handling residual materials and waste from Mo-99 Production.
Target Audience
The attendees should be technical staff of institutions directly involved in the management of residual radioactive material and waste from Mo-99 production or developing related technologies are invited to participate. While the Technical Meeting (TM) will primarily focus on countries producing Mo-99 using LEU or neutron activation, many Member States still manage HEU-related residual materials and waste. Therefore, participants from these countries can also offer valuable insights, including practical experience and lessons learned, which are relevant and beneficial to those managing LEU-based Mo-99 production waste—since the management approaches are very similar