Who is Ansto owned by?

the Australian government
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a statutory body of the Australian government, formed in 1987 to replace the Australian Atomic Energy Commission. Its head office and main facilities are in southern outskirts of Sydney at Lucas Heights, in the Sutherland Shire.

Is Lucas Heights a nuclear reactor?

In 1958 Australia opened its first (and only) nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, a southern suburb of Sydney. The nuclear reactor produces neutrons, subatomic particles found in the nucleus of all atoms, through the process of fission – the splitting of a large atom, such as uranium, into two smaller ones.

What is Ansto stand for?

Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, (ANSTO) is the home of Australia’s most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research.

What type of nuclear reactor is at Lucas Heights?

It was built at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (later ANSTO) Research Establishment at Lucas Heights, Sydney….

High Flux Australian Reactor
Reactor concept Heavy-water
Status Commissioned, 1958 Decommissioned, 2007
Location Lucas Heights, Sydney

What is the OPAL reactor used for?

Australia’s Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor is a state-of-the-art 20-megawatt multi-purpose reactor that uses low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel to achieve a range of activities to benefit human health, enable research to support a more sustainable environment and provide innovative solutions for industry.

Where is Australia’s only nuclear reactor?

Lucas Heights
Australia has one nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights (south of Sydney). It is one of over 200 research reactors located around the world and is used chiefly for the production of medical isotopes—it is not used to generate electricity.

Does Australia store nuclear waste?

Australia does not have a central facility for the storage or disposal of radioactive waste, which is currently held at more than 100 locations around Australia. Many organisations are using storage areas that were not designed for long term storage of radioactive waste.

How many people work at Ansto?

ANSTO aims to attract highly-skilled individuals who work collaboratively, with professionalism and integrity. More than 1,200 people are currently employed with one-third involved in scientific research across areas such as materials, health, climate science, mining and engineering.

Why should the Lucas Heights reactor be shut down?

Cancer diagnoses crisis after shutdown at Lucas Heights nuclear facility. Australia is facing a shortage of medicine vital for cancer diagnoses due to a mechanical fault at the Lucas Heights nuclear medicine facility.