Urenco Isotopes and RI Research Instruments are collaborating to help address growing demand for high-purity stable isotopes used in research and potential future medical isotope applications.
Lanthanides are rare earth metals the uses of which may include cancer diagnosis and treatment. Reliable sources remain limited and supply chains are concentrated among a relatively small number of producers, with limited availability across Europe.
To help address future market needs, Urenco Isotopes is commissioning a dedicated Electromagnetic Isotope Separation (EMIS) test installation in collaboration with RI Research Instruments, a specialist provider of advanced particle accelerator technology and systems. The capability is being developed to produce selected lanthanide isotopes at high isotopic enrichment and quality levels. The project forms part of Urenco Isotopes' broader strategy to expand its portfolio and invest in technologies that support future customer requirements.
Christian Wies, R&D Lead at Urenco Isotopes, explains: "We continuously assess where our enrichment expertise can create value for customers and support emerging market requirements. Developing EMIS capability for selected lanthanides allows us to broaden our technical expertise while exploring opportunities in areas where demand is expected to grow. Beyond lanthanides themselves, the project also helps us build knowledge and experience with EMIS technology that may support evaluation of additional isotope opportunities in the future. For us, this is about investing in capability today so that we are better positioned to respond to customer needs tomorrow.”
Christian Piel, Managing Director at RI, adds: “We are proud to support a strong partner like Urenco in achieving its ambitious goals for the future. The trust that Urenco places in our capabilities is both an honor and a privilege, and the collegial collaboration is highly motivating for our entire team.”
Commissioning activities for the EMIS test installation are currently underway. Initial EMIS capability is expected to become available from 2027, providing a platform for further technology development, product evaluation and market assessment.
