(MENAFN) A nuclear facility in North Korea has been experiencing ongoing "modernization and expansion" throughout 2025, according to a recent report by the US monitoring website 38 North.

"Commercial satellite imagery of North Korea's Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center from October and November 2025 shows continuation of modernization and expansion efforts throughout the site," the 38 North report stated.

"Yongbyon plays a critical role in the country's production of nuclear material for its weapons program, as the sole producer of plutonium and a significant source of enriched uranium."

The analysis highlighted that the suspected uranium enrichment facility, situated northeast of the radiochemical laboratory, has witnessed the highest levels of activity since the start of the year.

The report also observed that exterior construction on two auxiliary buildings in the eastern section of the complex has been completed, with concrete paving now surrounding them.

In addition, 38 North pointed out the placement of six potential heat exchangers along the southeast side of the main structure, which are intended to cool centrifuges and control internal temperatures.

"Other equipment appears to be outside the building," the report added.

"Together, these objects indicate it is likely that work to complete the interior of the main building is still underway."

During inspections of nuclear weapons-related sites, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of "achieve epochal successes in overfulfilling the plan for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and in strengthening the nuclear shield of the country."

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