Libya loses 2.5 tons of uranium

The United Nations nuclear watchdog has announced that 2.5 tons of natural uranium is missing from a site in Libya, which has raised concerns about safety and proliferation. Natural uranium needs to undergo an enrichment process before it can be used for energy production or bomb fuel. However, a group with the necessary means and resources could refine each ton of natural uranium to 5.6 kilograms of weapons-grade material eventually, making the missing metal significant for nonproliferation experts. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not provided further details regarding the missing uranium, despite informing member states. Safari, which is located in the southeast of Tripoli, is one of several sites that Libya declared. The Libyan National Army, led by Khalifa Hifter, released a statement claiming they had recovered the material. However, the conflicting timelines and lack of information have caused concern.