Morocco, Model in Monitoring Nuclear Research Reactors in Africa, IAEA

Morocco is a model for monitoring nuclear research reactors in Africa and beyond, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday.

Morocco, which operates the “TRIGA Mark II” research reactor, is a training center in the monitoring of nuclear reactors in Africa and an example to follow in terms of inspection, independence and reliability, said the IAEA information office in an article published in its weekly bulletin.

The “TRIGA Mark II” research reactor, which is the largest nuclear research facility in the Kingdom and part of the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Sciences and Techniques (CNESTEN), contributes to various activities related to research and training in nuclear medicine, industrial applications and radioactive waste management, said the same source.

The article quoted director of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) El Khammar Mrabit, as saying that “Morocco has succeeded in guaranteeing the precision and accuracy of the organization and control of any activity involving radioactive sources.

He stressed that, in addition to regulations and laws governing this field, Moroccan nuclear safety experts and specialists are constantly developing monitoring and inspection mechanisms, based on an independent system with clear functions and responsibilities.

The IAEA also underlined its close cooperation with Morocco in this area, mainly with regard to the preparation and promulgation in 2014 of Law No. 142-12 on nuclear and radiological safety and security and the creation of AMSSNuR, which is an independent monitoring body in the nuclear and radiological fields, as well as the strengthening of technical cooperation through the various special support missions.