---
title: "North Korea expanding chemical complex"
description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member."
url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers/north-korea-expanding-chemical-complex"
date: "2026-07-30T21:09:26+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  North Korea expanding chemical complex

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 11 January 2024.

According to a report in Korea Joongang Daily, North Korea is expanding a chemical plant that plays a crucial role in its nuclear and missile program, according to satellite imagery examined by analysis group 38 North and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control.

According to the article, 'The images, taken via commercial satellites, show that the Unha chemical complex near Manpho, Chagang Province, is undergoing expansion and modernization and exhibits signs of increasing production of reagents, such as nitric and sulfuric acids, that are associated with the reprocessing, enrichment and conversion of nuclear materials. The Unha chemical complex “holds considerable strategic importance to North Korea,” according to 38 North, which noted that a declassified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report from 1980 linked Unha with the production of liquid rocket propellant and other chemical products needed to support North Korea’s demanding strategic industries.'

[The full article can be read here ](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-01-11/national/northKorea/North-expanding-chemical-complex-critical-to-nuclear-and-missile-programs/1956491)

[The report and analysis by 38 North can be read here](https://www.38north.org/2024/01/manphos-unha-chemical-complex-active-expansion-and-evidence-of-increased-production/)

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Nuclear](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/nuclear)

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