The operator of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says it has completed the second fuel debris trial retrieval process at the No.2 unit.



The plant in northeastern Japan suffered a triple meltdown after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.



An estimated 880 tons of molten fuel mixed with parts of structures are said to remain in the No.1, 2 and 3 units.



Tokyo Electric Power Company conducted the first trial retrieval from the No.2 unit last November. The second attempt began on April 15.



On April 17, a device placed inside the containment vessel grasped a small amount of the debris, estimated to be a few grams.



The radiation level of the debris was then measured outside the containment vessel.



Since the level was found to be low enough to ensure worker safety, it was placed in a metal transportation box on Tuesday.



On Wednesday, the box was placed in a special transportation container. TEPCO says this marks the completion of the trial retrieval process.



The extracted debris will be taken to a research facility in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, for a detailed analysis.