International Development Grant

Open source research on North Korean production capacity for weapons of mass destruction

Project Number: CA-3-P006422001

Status: Operational

Country/Region: Unknown

Regional Focus:

Africa 20%
America 20%
Asia 20%
Oceania 20%
Europe 20%

Maximum Contribution: $4,642,671.00

Start Date: November 01, 2018

End Date: December 31, 2025

Duration: 7.2 years

Project Description

This project provides the Verification Research Training and Information Centre (VERTIC) with funding to conduct open source research on North Korea’s production capacity for weapons of mass destruction including nuclear chemical and biological weapons and delivery systems. This research will be undertaken by VERTIC in collaboration with the Royal United Services Institute and the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

Expected Results

The expected outcome of this project is the production of reliable well-researched and publicly available information on North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction production capabilities.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of June 2023 include: (1) investigations of North Korean uranium mining and milling facilities phosphate extraction as a domestic source of uranium fuel cycle models of the Yongbyon nuclear reactor to test different production variables; and (2) engaged experts on developing models for chemical and biological weapons production.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
Verification ResearchTraining and Information Centre

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
YFMInternaAssistPartnershp&Programing Br

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

CBRN threat reduction 100%

Aid Type: Project-type interventions

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Foreign Affairs and Trade Gs&Cs

Budget Breakdown
2018-04-01 to 2019-03-31 $4,642,671 CAD
Geographic Information
546
Reference ID: 475