Lightbridge Completes Loading of Capsules Containing Lightbridge Fuel Material Samples into an Experiment Assembly for Irradiation Testing in the Advanced Test Reactor
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) completed loading capsules containing enriched uranium‑zirconium alloy Lightbridge Fuel material samples, manufactured at Idaho National Laboratory, into an experiment assembly on Oct 9, 2025. The assembly is ready for insertion into the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) for irradiation testing expected later in 2025. Post‑irradiation examination and a forthcoming Project Task Statement will produce performance data to inform planned regulatory licensing and commercial deployment efforts.
Lightbridge and INL teams executed precision manufacturing, capsule loading, and quality controls under an existing CRADA.
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) ha completato il caricamento di capsule contenenti campioni di materiale di combustibile Lightbridge a base di lega uranio‑zirconio, prodotti al Idaho National Laboratory, in un insieme di esperimento il 9 ottobre 2025. L'assemblaggio è pronto per l'inserimento nel Reattore Avanzato di Sperimentazione (ATR) per test di irradiamento previsti entro la fine del 2025. L'esame post‑irradiamento e una futura Project Task Statement produrranno dati di prestazione per informare l'applicazione normativa pianificata e le attività di dispiegamento commerciale.
Team di Lightbridge e INL hanno eseguito produzione di precisione, caricamento delle capsule e controlli di qualità nell'ambito di un CRADA esistente.
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) completó la carga de cápsulas que contenían muestras de material de combustible Lightbridge de aleación uranio‑zirconio enriquecido, fabricadas en el Idaho National Laboratory, en un ensamblaje experimental el 9 de octubre de 2025. El conjunto está listo para su inserción en el Reaktor de Prueba Avanzado (ATR) para pruebas de irradiación previstas para luego de 2025. El examen postirradiación y una futura Declaración de Tarea del Proyecto producirán datos de rendimiento para informar los esfuerzos planificados de licencias regulatorias y despliegue comercial.
Los equipos de Lightbridge e INL ejecutaron manufactura de precisión, carga de cápsulas y controles de calidad bajo un CRADA existente.
Lightbridge (나스닥: LTBR) Idaho National Laboratory에서 제조된 농축 우라늄‑지르코늄 합금 Lightbridge 연료 재료 샘플을 실험 어셈블리에 2025년 10월 9일에 삽입하기 위해 로딩했습니다. 이 어셈블리는 2025년 말 이후에 예정된 방사선 노출 시험을 위해 Advanced Test Reactor(ATR)에 삽입될 준비가 되어 있습니다. 노출 시험 후의 검사와 다가오는 프로젝트 과제 명세서는 규제 허가 및 상용 배치를 위한 성능 데이터를 생성할 것입니다.
Lightbridge 및 INL 팀은 기존 CRADA 하에 정밀 제조, 캡슐 로딩 및 품질 관리를 수행했습니다.
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) a achevé le chargement de capsules contenant des échantillons de matériau combustible Lightbridge à base d'alliage uraniom‑zirconium, fabriqués au Idaho National Laboratory, dans un assemblage expérimental le 9 octobre 2025. L'assemblage est prêt à être inséré dans le Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) pour des tests d'irradiation prévus pour la fin de 2025. L'examen post-irradiation et une prochaine Déclaration de tâche du projet fourniront des données de performance pour éclairer les efforts de licensing réglementaire et de déploiement commercial prévus.
Les équipes Lightbridge et INL ont réalisé une fabrication de précision, le chargement des capsules et des contrôles qualité dans le cadre d'un CRADA existant.
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) hat die Beladung von Kapseln abgeschlossen, die Proben von Lightbridge-Fuel aus uran‑zirconium‑Legierung enthalten, hergestellt am Idaho National Laboratory, in eine Versuchsassemblierung am 9. Oktober 2025. Die Baugruppe ist bereit, in den Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) eingefügt zu werden für Irradiationsprüfungen, die voraussichtlich später im Jahr 2025 erfolgen. Nach‑Irradiationsuntersuchungen und eine baldige Projektaufgabenstellung werden Leistungsdaten liefern, um geplante behördliche Zulassungen und kommerzielle Einsatzmaßnahmen zu informieren.
Lightbridge- und INL-Teams führten Präzisionsfertigung, Kapselbeladung und Qualitätskontrollen im Rahmen eines bestehenden CRADA durch.
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) أتمت تحميل كبسولات تحتوي عينات من مادة وقود Lightbridge المصنوعة من سبيكة اليورانيوم-الزركونيوم، والتي صُنت في Idaho National Laboratory، إلى تجميعة تجربة في 9 أكتوبر 2025. التجميعة جاهزة للإدراج في مفاعل الاختبار المتقدم (ATR) من أجل اختبار الإشعاع المتوقع في وقت لاحق من 2025. سيوفر فحص ما بعد الإشعاع وبيان مهمة المشروع القادم بيانات الأداء لإرشاد عمليات الترخيص التنظيمي والانتشار التجاري المخطط لها.
نفذت فرق Lightbridge وINL التصنيع الدقيق، وتحميل الكبسولات، ومراقبة الجودة وفقاً لاتفاقية CRADA القائمة.
Lightbridge (Nasdaq: LTBR) 已完成将包含富集铀‑锆合金 Lightbridge 燃料材料样品的胶囊装载到一个实验组件中，该材料在爱达荷国家实验室制造，装载日期为2025年10月9日。该组件已准备好插入先进测试反应堆(ATR)进行预计在2025年晚些时候进行的辐照测试。辐照后检测和即将发布的项目任务说明将产生性能数据，以支持计划中的监管许可和商业部署工作。
Lightbridge 与 INL 团队在现有 CRADA 下执行了精密制造、胶囊装载和质量控制。
- Capsules loaded into ATR experiment assembly on Oct 9, 2025
- Fuel samples manufactured at INL Materials and Fuels Complex
- Irradiation testing expected later in 2025 to support licensing
- None.
Insights
Loading of enriched uranium‑zirconium alloy samples into an ATR experiment assembly advances validation of Lightbridge Fuel and supports regulatory data collection.
The teams completed precision manufacturing and capsule loading of enriched uranium‑zirconium alloy samples at INL and assembled them for insertion into the Advanced Test Reactor for irradiation testing expected to begin
Key dependencies include execution of the irradiation campaign in ATR and subsequent post‑irradiation examination under the existing CRADA; those activities will produce the performance data intended to inform regulatory licensing and commercialization plans. The outcome and pace of ATR testing, the results of post‑irradiation examination, and the content of the forthcoming Project Task Statement constitute the primary near‑term risks to schedule and regulatory progress.
Watch for the start of ATR irradiation, detailed post‑irradiation examination plans, and specific performance metrics and timelines in the Project Task Statement; these items will clarify whether the program yields the data required for regulatory submissions and commercialization steps within the next 12–24 months.
RESTON, Va., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR), a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, today announced the successful completion of the loading of capsules containing Lightbridge Fuel material samples comprised of enriched uranium‑zirconium alloy, recently manufactured at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), into an experiment assembly. The experiment assembly is now ready for insertion into the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) for irradiation testing which is expected to begin later this year.
Key highlights of this achievement include:
- Completion of Loading of Capsules into an Experiment Assembly: Lightbridge and INL teams successfully completed the loading of capsules into an experiment assembly containing enriched uranium‑zirconium alloy samples of Lightbridge fuel material produced at INL's Materials and Fuels Complex.
- Precision Manufacturing & Assembly Process: The enriched uranium-zirconium alloy coupon samples, matching the composition intended for Lightbridge’s future commercial Lightbridge Fuel™ product, were meticulously manufactured and loaded into capsules under stringent quality control and process validation protocols.
- Upcoming Irradiation Testing in ATR: The experiment assembly will be placed into a designated core position and subjected to irradiation testing at ATR in accordance with the existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lightbridge and INL.
- Supporting Regulatory & Commercialization Efforts: The planned irradiation testing program, combined with post-irradiation examination activities to be outlined in a forthcoming Project Task Statement, will yield critical performance data needed to inform Lightbridge’s planned regulatory licensing activities and advance its commercial deployment efforts.
“We are proud to collaborate with Lightbridge on the assembly of this irradiation experiment,” said Jess Gehin, Associate Laboratory Director for Nuclear Science & Technology at Idaho National Laboratory. “This is an important step in testing and validating the performance of Lightbridge’s advanced fuel in a test reactor environment.”
“We are pleased to complete this final step in preparation of the experiment assembly for irradiation testing,” said Dr. Scott Holcombe, Vice President of Engineering, at Lightbridge. “This is a pivotal milestone for Lightbridge Fuel development. This achievement brings us closer to obtaining the rigorous irradiation testing data required for regulatory approval and eventual commercialization of Lightbridge Fuel.”
Loading fuel into rodlet holders
Loading fuel into the inner capsule
Capsules containing Lightbridge Fuel material samples before loading into an experimental assembly.
Members of the Lightbridge and INL teams are observing the capsule loading into an experimental assembly.
One of the capsules is being handed to the operator for loading into an experimental assembly.
Loading of one of the capsules into an experimental assembly in the ATR canal.
Observing the loading of the capsules via the video monitoring system.
About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
About Lightbridge Corporation
Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology essential for delivering abundant, zero-emission, clean energy and providing energy security to the world. The Company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactors, significantly enhancing reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance. The Company is also developing Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors (SMRs) to bring the same benefits plus load-following with renewables on a zero-carbon electric grid.
Lightbridge has entered into two long-term framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, the United States Department of Energy’s operating contractor for Idaho National Laboratory, the United States' lead nuclear energy research and development laboratory. DOE’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program has twice awarded Lightbridge to support the development of Lightbridge Fuel over the past several years. Lightbridge is participating in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University. An extensive worldwide patent portfolio backs Lightbridge’s innovative fuel technology. Lightbridge is included in the Russell Microcap® Index. For more information, please visit www.ltbridge.com.
To receive Lightbridge Corporation updates via e-mail, subscribe at https://www.ltbridge.com/investors/news-events/email-alerts
Lightbridge is on YouTube. Subscribe to access past demonstrations, interviews, and other video content at https://www.youtube.com/@lightbridgecorporation
Lightbridge is on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up to follow @LightbridgeCorp at http://twitter.com/lightbridgecorp.
Forward Looking Statements
With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this news release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from such estimates. The risks include, but are not limited to: Lightbridge’s ability to commercialize its nuclear fuel technology; the degree of market adoption of Lightbridge’s product and service offerings; Lightbridge’s ability to fund general corporate overhead and outside research and development costs; market competition; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; dependence on strategic partners; demand for fuel for nuclear reactors; Lightbridge’s ability to manage its business effectively in a rapidly evolving market; the availability of nuclear test reactors and the risks associated with unexpected changes in Lightbridge’s fuel development timeline; the increased costs associated with metallization of Lightbridge’s nuclear fuel; public perception of nuclear energy generally; changes in the political environment; risks associated with war in Europe; changes in the laws, rules and regulations governing Lightbridge’s business; development and utilization of, and challenges to, Lightbridge’s intellectual property; risks associated with potential shareholder activism; potential and contingent liabilities; as well as other factors described in Lightbridge's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Lightbridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Lightbridge’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its other filings with the SEC, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements”, all of which are available at http://www.sec.gov/ and www.ltbridge.com.
Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
Director of Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (347) 947-2093
ir@ltbridge.com
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/829b3c31-1b1d-49d6-bafc-f682bf4b2912
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2ee67e9-65d4-48d8-a0fc-a8a9608e97c1
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de6fdd16-0f91-418d-931c-1b0a0a2687fb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/046fbf2b-4b2f-456e-87be-e10e77463317
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f739c79-b3b0-430b-b6b9-47d39b329bdb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/346ae289-3ea1-43a5-9e7a-aa378f53d96e
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b12d70e-b338-4517-89d6-c257290aa1ef
FAQ
What did Lightbridge announce on Oct 9, 2025 about ATR testing for LTBR?
Where were the LTBR fuel samples manufactured for the ATR experiment?
How will ATR irradiation testing affect Lightbridge's regulatory timeline for LTBR?
When is the ATR irradiation testing for LTBR fuel samples scheduled to begin?
What agreement governs Lightbridge's collaboration with INL for the ATR test?
Will Lightbridge publish post‑irradiation examination plans or results for LTBR?
