Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing

Nuclear fuel reprocessing is the process of extracting usable materials from spent nuclear fuel, which is waste generated after nuclear reactors produce energy. The spent fuel contains valuable elements like uranium and plutonium, which can be separated and recycled into new fuel. This helps reduce the volume of waste and lessens the demand for new uranium mining. Reprocessing also mitigates the risks of nuclear proliferation by controlling the materials. However, it involves complex chemical processes and raises environmental and safety concerns, making it a topic of debate in energy policy and nuclear waste management.