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Urenco Isotopes collaborates to strengthen future European supply chains for enriched lanthanides
28 July 2026 GlobalUrenco Isotopes and RI Research Instruments are collaborating to help address growing demand for high-purity stable isotopes used in research and potential future medical isotope applications.
Lanthanides are rare earth metals the uses of which may include cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Reliable sources remain limited and supply chains are concentrated among a relatively small number of producers, with limited availability across Europe.
To help address future market needs, Urenco Isotopes is commissioning a dedicated Electromagnetic Isotope Separation (EMIS) test installation in collaboration with RI Research Instruments, a specialist provider of advanced particle accelerator technology and systems.
The capability is being developed to produce selected lanthanide isotopes at high isotopic enrichment and quality levels.
The project forms part of Urenco Isotopes' broader strategy to expand its portfolio and invest in technologies that support future customer requirements.
Christian Wies, R&D Lead at Urenco Isotopes, explains:
"We continuously assess where our enrichment expertise can create value for customers and support emerging market requirements. Developing EMIS capability for selected lanthanides allows us to broaden our technical expertise while exploring opportunities in areas where demand is expected to grow.
“Beyond lanthanides themselves, the project also helps us build knowledge and experience with EMIS technology that may support evaluation of additional isotope opportunities in the future. For us, this is about investing in capability today so that we are better positioned to respond to customer needs tomorrow."
Commissioning activities for the EMIS test installation are currently underway. Initial EMIS capability is expected to become available from 2027, providing a platform for further technology development, product evaluation and market assessment.
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About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of uranium enrichment services, fuel cycle products and related solutions with sustainability at the core of our business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for over 50 years, Urenco understands the importance of energy security and facilitates the reliable delivery of low carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office in London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Through our technology and the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services, operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is making a positive contribution to global climate change goals through our core business and we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We are committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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