Toronto and Ottawa: Ontario Power Generation and Nordion (Canada) Inc. announced November 29 the signing of an agreement to expand its production of Cobalt-60 to the Darlington Nuclear Station. Currently, approximately 50% of the world's Cobalt-60 is produced in Ontario.
Cobalt-60 is a life-saving isotope responsible for sterilizing approximately 40% of the world's single-use medical devices, including syringes, gloves, implants and surgical instruments. It is also used to treat a variety of food and consumer products for the reduction of harmful pathogens.
"OPG has been producing Cobalt-60 at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station since the 1970s and is proud to be a world leader in the production of this important medical isotope," said Ken Hartwick, President & CEO of OPG. "Expanding our production to Darlington will provide the world with a stable and reliable supply of Cobalt-60 for years to come."