Cobalt-60 Supply

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As the leading global supplier of Cobalt-60,
Nordion maintains the most geographically and technologically diverse supply network in the world.

For more than 70 years, Nordion has provided a safe and reliable supply of cobalt to our customers.

Over that same period, we have diversified and enhanced our supply chain and expanded our regulatory, logistics, design and engineering capabilities to better serve our customers. In addition to leveraging this technical expertise, we have a dedicated team focused on sustaining and expanding existing supplier relationships and developing new sources of supply.

Nordion has increased global Cobalt-60 supply through decades of investment, which are ongoing at amplified levels. As a result of these significant investments, we anticipate meeting 100% of the needs of our customers from 2024 onward.

30

of all single-use medical devices around the workd are sterilized by Cobalt-60

50

of Cobalt-60 is produced by CANDUs in Ontario

100

of Nordion's customers will receive their requested volume of Cobalt-60 in 2024

Global Supply Needs

Approximately 30% of single-use devices around the world are sterilized with gamma. Demand for Cobalt-60 continues to grow due to increased use of sterilized medical products associated with population growth, aging demographics, advances in medical technologies, and improved access to healthcare in emerging markets, and bolstered by rapid growth in Single Use Systems for pharmaceutical production.

Cobalt-60 supply was under pressure from 2018 through 2023 due to unforeseen challenges in both supply and demand related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Moving forward, Nordion anticipates that we will be able to meet 100% of customers’ requirements in 2024, and for the foreseeable future.  This stable supply stems from Nordion’s ongoing investments in Cobalt-60 production expansion, as well as optimization of our global network.

Where is Cobalt-60 Produced?

Virtually all Low Specific Activity (LSA) Cobalt-60 for sterilization and radiation processing is produced by nuclear power utilities operating CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors or light water graphite-moderated reactors (RBMK). Nordion has long-term supply contracts with several of these utilities for the production of Cobalt-60.

Approximately 50% of the global supply of Cobalt-60 is produced in CANDU reactors in the province of Ontario, only a few hours drive from Nordion’s production facility in Ottawa. Other Cobalt-60 producers include India, China, Russia, and Argentina, with whom Nordion has strong relationships and through whom we can access additional supply.

Certain statements made are forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance or industry results and by their nature are subject to inherent uncertainties. Actual results or industry results may differ materially. Additional information concerning these statements, including factors that could cause our actual results or industry results to differ, can be found in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such as its annual and quarterly reports. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.