Photos May Reveal Undeclared Uranium Enrichment Site in North Korea, Analysts Suggest

By Ju-min Park and Josh Smith

SEOUL – Analysts suggested that recent photographs of North Korea’s uranium enrichment facility might reveal an undisclosed site for the development of nuclear weapons located near the capital.

In a notable development, North Korea recently showcased images of centrifuges responsible for producing fuel for its nuclear arsenal during a visit by leader Kim Jong Un to a uranium enrichment facility. Kim emphasized the need for increased production of weapons-grade material to enhance the country’s nuclear stockpile.

The released images depicted Kim walking amid extensive rows of metal centrifuges, although the precise location of the facility was not disclosed. Experts on North Korea pointed to the Kangson site as a potential covert uranium enrichment plant.

Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, noted that five images depicting the interior of the facility, including a significant hall and an annex, closely align with features observed in satellite imagery of the suspected nuclear site. He described the annex’s unique shape and structure as a "strong match" to the facility that North Korea has been constructing this year.

"That’s likely Kangson. It is an enrichment plant," Lewis stated.

It’s believed that North Korea operates several uranium enrichment sites. Analysts pointed out that satellite imagery has indicated ongoing construction activities at both the primary Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center and the Kangson facility, suggesting potential expansion projects at both locations.

Colin Zwirko, a senior analytical correspondent monitoring North Korea, confirmed that the photographs and satellite data strongly suggest the facility in question is indeed Kangson. In June, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, reported that a new annex was under construction at the Kangson complex, which shares "infrastructure characteristics" with the centrifuge enrichment facility at Yongbyon.

During the visit covered by state media, Kim stressed the importance of increasing the number of centrifuges to "exponentially increase" the nuclear arsenal and advocated for the use of a new type of centrifuge to enhance the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials.

The advanced design of the centrifuges and the configuration of cascades in the hall showcased in the photographs indicate that North Korea has made advancements in its uranium enrichment program, according to experts.

"The size of the cascades and hall shown also signify substantial capacity, perhaps not reaching Kim’s target of ‘exponential growth,’ but still representing significant progress," noted 38 North, a program focused on monitoring North Korea.

Additionally, experts speculated that the unveiling of this secretive nuclear facility could be an attempt to sway U.S. political dynamics and send a clear message to the incoming administration regarding the diminishing prospects for denuclearization.