The failure of proper front-end loading (FEL) has resulted in a colossal project failure
19 February 2016 – South Africa – A new resource has been added to the PM World library related to Project Failures. The resource is titled “Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility”.
Located in South Carolina, USA, the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX) project was expected to be completed within three years and cost $1.6 billion. The concept of the project was started in 2000 based on a joint agreement between the US and Russia to dispose of 34 metric tons of plutonium. The project is now ten years over schedule with an estimated cost to completion in the range of $45 billion to $114 billion, and yet has no local customer. The project was marred with political interference, substandard contractual enforcement and substandard project management practices.
“Beyond the exorbitant price tag, the MOX facility also suffers from alarming safety and security problems, according to watchdog groups like the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) and Taxpayers for Common Sense.”
The question or rather questions remain: Was a proper FEL undertaken? How did this project commence without an end consumer? With such strict rules and regulations around weaponised plutonium, why were contractors allowed leniency? If this project was run by a non-governmental organisation would it have gone so far? If the FEL had been done it would have determined alternative methods of disposal would have been cost effective and timely and safer.
To access this new resource, go to https://pmworldlibrary.net/major-projects-programmes/, click on “Failed Projects”, scroll down to USA and click on “Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility”. Must be a registered member to access.
Posted by: Gary Mitchell
