Jordanian-Saudi training agreement signed in preparation for irradiating iridium-192 

AMMAN — The Saudi Isotopes Company on Tuesday signed a training agreement with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission in preparation for irradiating iridium-192 and supplying it to the company.

This agreement came as part of joint efforts to localise the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and radiation technologies in accordance with the best scientific and international practices and employ them in service of economic and social development such as electricity generation and water desalination using small-scale nuclear reactors, according to a statement from the the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission. 

The two countries signed a cooperation agreement on January 22, 2014, which aims to develop civil and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Jordanian nuclear reactor has produced radioactive isotopes for medical and industrial use since 2017, including the isotope iridium 192.

The Saudi company is concerned with supplying local Saudi markets with radioactive sources of iridium 192.

The company has expressed interest in providing these sources through the Jordanian nuclear reactor, as they are ready for use in radiographic examination devices for industrial purposes.

Similarly, nuclear cooperation has also been evident between the Atomic Energy Commission represented by the Jordanian Uranium Mining Company and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE).

Both sides have joined efforts pertaining to uranium exploration and mining in the central Jordan region as well as producing yellow cake, which would contribute to generating nuclear fuel in the Arab region.