Producing a plutonium pit, the core or trigger in a modern nuclear weapon, could cost approximately $6 million, according to a nonpartisan analysis published this week. The Congressional Budget Office came to the multimillion-dollar conclusion after reviewing U.S. Department of Energy information concerning pit production plants, including the proposed Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, a rework of the failed Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility project at the Savannah River Site. The independent office, which studies issues of money in support of Congress’ budget process, in a separate report early last year delicately estimated the buildout of U.S. pit production capabilities, in general, would cost $9 billion over the next decade.
Aiken Standard 26th Aug 2020 read more »