Solstice Advanced Materials Metropolis Works (formerly Honeywell Metropolis Works)

Large load · 2768 US HIGHWAY 45 NORTH, Metropolis, IL

Metropolis Works, at 2768 US Highway 45 North in Massac County, Illinois, converts uranium ore concentrates into uranium hexafluoride and is the only UF6 conversion facility in the United States. A 2010 DOE assessment put its electricity use at approximately 6,700,000 kilowatt-hours per month. Solstice Advanced Materials reports it is projected to produce over 10 kilotonnes of UF6 in 2026.

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Overview

The facility produces various inorganic chemicals, including conversion of uranium ore concentrates into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), and production of gaseous fluorine for on-site use. Solstice projects Metropolis Works will produce over 10 kilotonnes of UF6 in 2026, about a 20% increase from planned output in 2024. ConverDyn serves as the exclusive marketing agent for all UF6 produced at the facility.

Profile

Electricity and grid: A 2005 NRC document states the electrical power is provided by Ameren through a 69,000 volt substation within the restricted area fence. A 2010 DOE assessment states the existing facility currently uses approximately 6,700,000 kilowatt-hours per month. An Idaho National Laboratory report cites average electricity consumption over 2007-10 of 6.8 MWh/tonne U as UF6.

Permits: The NRC lists Operating License SUB-526, which expires March 24, 2060. Illinois EPA public noticed a draft reissuance of NPDES Permit No. IL0004421 beginning May 6, 2015.

Recent changes: The facility had a temporary shutdown from 2017 to 2023 due to poor market conditions and a successful restart in July 2023. In February 2026 Solstice said it is exploring additional projects to increase production and has retained an engineering, procurement and construction firm to analyze new capacity.

Facility

Activity: Conversion of uranium ore concentrates into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and production of gaseous fluorine for on-site use
Industry: Industrial
Site type: Facility
Operating status: Operating
Reported Feb 10, 2026

Permits and agreements

Permit: NRC Operating License SUB-526
Permit: NPDES Permit No. IL0004421

Related records

OrganizationRoleBasis

Solstice Advanced MaterialsOperatorSolstice Advanced Materials Announces Expansion of Uranium Conversion Production to Support Strong Nuclear Industry Customer Demand ConverDynOfftakerSolstice Advanced Materials Announces Expansion of Uranium Conversion Production to Support Strong Nuclear Industry Customer Demand

Timeline

Jul 1, 2023: Successful restart of Metropolis Works after a temporary shutdown from 2017 to 2023.
Honeywell's Metropolis Works Facility - ConverDyn
Feb 10, 2026: Solstice announced projected 2026 UF6 output of over 10 kilotonnes.
Solstice Advanced Materials Announces Expansion of Uranium Conversion Production to Support Strong Nuclear Industry Customer Demand