Here’s a report on a possibly significant discovery, concealed within a shipment of scrap metal originally from Iraq—two pounds of uranium oxide, otherwise known as “yellowcake.” (Hat tip: Daniel A.)

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A recycling company found uranium oxide — a radioactive material also known as yellowcake — in a shipment of scrap steel it believes originally came from Iraq, the company said Thursday.

Paul de Bruin, spokesman for Rotterdam-based Jewometaal, said that the shipment was passed on last month from a Jordan metal dealer who was unaware it contained any forbidden materials.

”I‘ve dealt with this man for 15 years and he says he’s sure it came from Iraq,” De Bruin said. He said Jewometaal had been asked not to reveal the name of the Jordanian exporter while the find was being investigated.

Nuclear experts say that although not highly radioactive, uranium oxide can be processed into enriched uranium usable in a nuclear weapon — but highly advanced technology is needed.

The Dutch Environment Ministry confirmed Thursday that Jewometaal reported the unusual find on Dec. 16. After a preliminary investigation by a company that specializes in removing radioactive waste, the Dutch government decided to call in the International Atomic Energy Agency to investigate further.

A spokesman for the IAEA confirmed the agency had visited Rotterdam on Wednesday but had no further comment.

Environment ministry spokesman Wim van der Weegen said scrap metal companies in the Rotterdam port, which is Europe’s largest, report around 200 findings of radioactive material per year, often from old hospital equipment or normal industrial uses.

But the finding of an estimated two pounds of uranium oxide is odd, Van der Weegen said.

Experts said that around 2 pounds of yellowcake, the amount found, would not be useful for either a bomb or fuel.