Seoul Estimates North Korea Holds Up to Two Tonnes of Highly Enriched Uranium

South Korea’s unification minister has stated that North Korea may possess as much as two tonnes of highly enriched uranium (HEU), a development raising fresh concerns over the North’s nuclear capabilities.

“Intelligence agencies estimate Pyongyang’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium – more than 90 percent pure – at up to 2,000 kilogrammes,” said Chung Dong-young, South Korea’s unification minister, addressing reporters on Thursday.

Chung added that North Korea’s uranium centrifuges continue to operate at four separate sites, suggesting that production of fissile material is ongoing.

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The revelation underscores Pyongyang’s sustained nuclear programme and the potential for expansion of its weapons capabilities. Experts warn that such quantities of highly enriched uranium could support multiple nuclear warheads, heightening regional and international security concerns.