CAIRO: The Second Research Reactor in Inshas today began producing isotopes, like Molybdenum 99, for the first time in Egypt, reported head of the Egyptian Atomic Energy Agency Mohammad Ezat Abdel Azeem. The Agency received proposals from international companies interesting in purchasing this element, and they will be sold to the highest bidder, Azeem reported. Canada and South Africa submitted bids after the main isotopes plant in Poland, a previously vital source for Europe and North America, was shuttered, sources said. The Egyptian Ministry of Finance invested 70 million EGP (U.S. $11.73 million) in isotopes, which are used to cure several diseases. The export of these elements will contribute U.S. $17 million to Egypt's treasury, a source said.
