Following an approach by BNFL, the feasibility of assisting SCK, Seversk, to manufacture boron/zirconium sputtering targets (which can help to raise efficiency in nuclear reactors) for export to the US was investigated. The Steering Group in September 2003 approved a budget to support market research to explore the viability of the proposal. In November 2004 the Full Proposal was approved, which envisaged mastering the technology and manufacturing a pilot batch of sputtering targets with subsequent delivery to Westinghouse company for laboratory tests. Project implementation proceeded normally, in the framework of an ISTC contract, until March 2006, when 200 prototype targets were ready for shipment to Westinghouse for assessment.

The project then became held up by problems relating to the need for an export control license to ship 'dual use' materials to the US. The project is now in suspense pending resolution of these problems. The fundamental problem is that, despite repeated efforts, SCK has not managed to obtain permission to export the prototypes. In addition, there have been suggestions that Westinghouse is losing interest in the project (it already has a main supplier and the relationship with SCK was intended to create an alternative source of supply). SCK recently unsuccessfully tried again to set up a meeting with Westinghouse to discuss the matter.