Possible nuclear debris

TOKYO: Tepco, the operator of Japan’s wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant, has found possible nuclear fuel debris below the damaged No 2 reactor, one of three that had meltdowns in the 2011 disaster.

It would mark a significant breakthrough in attempts to clean up the nuclear plant, after years of delays, missteps and leaks of radioactive water. Finding the highly radioactive melted uranium rods may pave the way for removing the melted fuel.

Tepco detected a black lump of material directly below the reactor in an inspection by camera yesterday but cannot yet confirm what it is. An announcement was expected later. Reuters –