Cobalt-60 will now be produced by China

China will now produce cobalt-60 to address the country’s need for the isotope, according to the World Nuclear News. This initiative is intended to result in the production of 6 million Curies of cobalt-60 annually.

Cobalt-60, an emitter of gamma rays, is used in radiotherapy, manufacturing quality control, medical disinfection, food preservation, metallurgy and materials testing. This is the first time China is producing the isotope, and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) believes local production will provide social and economic benefits to the country.

Site of China’s cobalt-60 domestic production is the Qinshan Phase III nuclear power plant. The plant has two Candu 6 pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) provided by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL). These two Candu units have each produced 665 MWe for Zhejian province since they were set up in 2002 and 2003. The stainless steel adjusters of Candu 6 affect neutron flux to ensure efficient burnup of uranium fuel and to optimise power output.

Global production of cobalt-60 will increase by approximately 10 percent with the help of China’s output, according to World Nuclear Association.