Watchdog Confirms North Korea Built Two-Storey Uranium Enrichment Facility

North Korea has constructed a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility, according to a recent statement by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The discovery has been characterized as a matter of “serious concern” by Rafael Grossi, who highlighted the continued development of Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.

The new structure is located within the Yongbyon nuclear complex and is believed to be capable of accommodating up to 28 centrifuge cascades used for enriching uranium. In addition to this construction, the IAEA noted that North Korea has begun operating an expanded annex at a separate enrichment site in Kangson, near the capital, Pyongyang. Initial construction at the Kangson location began in 2024, with indications suggesting operations started there in January of this year.

These assessments rely on satellite imagery, as the IAEA was expelled from North Korea in 2009 and currently has no inspectors on the ground. In a report published late last month, the agency stated that the continuation and further development of the DPRK’s nuclear programme constitute clear violations of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The findings follow intelligence that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a “newly inaugurated nuclear materials production factory” at Yongbyon on June 3. During the visit, Kim praised the country’s “greatly expanded production capacity” and suggested it would enable “larger plans,” according to the agency.

Despite being one of the world’s poorest nations, North Korea dedicates significant resources to its weapons programme. A 2022 report by a non-proliferation think-tank estimated annual spending on nuclear development at $640 million. Edward Howell, a lecturer at the University of Oxford, told the BBC that the hidden nature of many facilities makes the programme particularly concerning.

“What makes North Korea’s nuclear programme so concerning is that many of its facilities are unknown, concealed, and thus difficult to target,” Howell said, adding that beyond Yongbyon, sites such as Kangson likely indicate the existence of more concealed production facilities.

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and has vowed never to give up its weapons. The country has conducted six nuclear tests, the most recent occurring in September 2017, and is estimated to possess dozens of warheads. Since 2017, it has also carried out numerous intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.

In August, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed talks with North Korea aimed at formally ending the Korean War, suggesting this could serve as a platform to discuss halting the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. Lee previously stated that Pyongyang produces between 15 and 20 additional warheads annually. As of now, North Korea has not responded to the proposal.