World | North Korea N Korea Relaunches Nuke Plant Country makes disclosure hours after UN sanctions announced By Jess Kilby Posted Apr 25, 2009 5:40 AM CDT Copied North Korea's spent nuclear fuel rods are kept in a cooling pond at the nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, North Korea, in this 1996 file photo. (AP Photo/Yonhap, File) North Korea has begun harvesting weapons-grade plutonium from its spent nuclear fuel rods, the BBC reports. The official announcement comes on the heels of UN sanctions against three North Korean companies accused of helping the country with its long-range rocket launch earlier this month. Pyongyang called the sanctions—which freeze the companies’ assets and prohibit other countries from trading with them—"a wanton violation of the UN charter.” Read These Next Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Authorities investigating ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance. Turning Point reveals lineup for its alternative halftime show. Chappell Roan defends her daring Grammy's outfit. Report an error