The operator of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Tokai, Ibaraki Prefecture, that has been closed since a fire in 1997 filed a request Monday with Ibaraki Gov. Masaru Hashimoto for permission to resume operations, prefectural government officials said.
The state-run Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute submitted a similar request to Tokai village head Tatsuya Murakami as well.
The plant has been closed since a fire and explosion exposed 37 workers to radiation in March 1997.
The Ibaraki Prefectural Government plans to allow the institute to resume operations at the plant if it can guarantee its safety and get the approval of local residents, according to the officials.