Metropolis Works Nears 10 Kilotonne UF6 Goal
Solstice Advanced Materials says its Illinois uranium conversion plant is close to reaching its annual production target.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Nuclear
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Solstice Advanced Materials, which operates the Metropolis Works uranium conversion facility in Massac County, Illinois, says it is on the brink of producing 10 kilotonnes of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) annually. The company separately agreed in October to settle lawsuits and legal claims for $80 million, pending federal judge approval, while denying the allegations and admitting no liability.
Why it matters
Uranium hexafluoride is a required intermediate step in producing reactor fuel, so increased conversion capacity bears on the nation's nuclear fuel supply chain. The expansion responds to a sharp rise in demand for UF6 that is already contracted through 2030.
The company reports a 20% increase over its planned 2024 output, with more than $100 million invested in modernization since 2022 and a five-year, $187.5 million DOE grant awarded to expand output. Whether the 10 kilotonne goal will be sustained at that level has not been established in the available information.
The players
Solstice Advanced Materials
The company that operates the Metropolis Works uranium conversion facility in Illinois and is pursuing expanded UF6 production.
The details
The Metropolis plant converts uranium ore concentrate, also known as yellowcake, into uranium hexafluoride, which enrichment facilities then turn into reactor fuel. Solstice assumed ownership of the site last year and announced the 10 kilotonne goal in February. The DOE grant was also awarded to offset litigation costs associated with the facility.
Timeline
Last year (2024): Solstice assumed ownership of Metropolis Works and the DOE grant was awarded.
February 2025: Solstice announced its goal of 10 kilotonnes of annual UF6 production.
October 2025: Solstice agreed to settle lawsuits and legal claims for $80 million.
November 2025: The company said it is on the brink of meeting its production goal.
Roadmap
The $187.5 million DOE grant tied to Metropolis Works places the expansion within federal efforts to rebuild domestic nuclear fuel capacity. The company's planned 12 kilotonne capacity would extend that effort beyond the 10 kilotonne goal now in view.
Expanded UF6 conversion capacity affects the nuclear fuel supply that feeds the reactors that supply electricity. Illinois hosts 11 of the 93 active US nuclear reactors, so local output from this facility bears directly on the state's energy infrastructure.
The takeaway
Expanding conversion capacity is a prerequisite for increasing reactor fuel supply, so progress at facilities like Metropolis Works signals how quickly domestic nuclear fuel production can grow. Readers tracking energy policy should watch whether the company confirms the 10 kilotonne target and whether the $80 million settlement receives court approval.
Further reading
For background on the fuel cycle behind this expansion, see the Nuclear section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKMS.
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