September 30 1999

Press Release Concerning the JCO Tokai Plant Accident

Tetsuo Takeuchi, President Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited

In light of the recent accident at the JCO Tokai Plant, which JNFL first learned of via reports in the press, the governor of Aomori prefecture has requested JNFL to take all possible measures to ensure maximum safety at its Uranium Enrichment Plant. Upon receiving this request, JNFL immediately inspected all facilities that handle UF6 to determine if there was any possibility that a criticality accident could occur. The result of the inspection was that the safety of all Uranium Enrichment Plant facilities and procedures was confirmed. We believe the cause of the JCO accident will eventually be determined, and are prepared to take further measures if necessary. According to the press reports, the accident occurred during the dissolving process, and involved uranium enriched to almost 19%. At the JNFL Uranium Enrichment Plant, maximum enrichment levels are below 5%, whether the UF6 is in solid or gaseous form.