https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240615/frances-orano-reportedly-risks-losing-uranium-mine-in-niger-1067059509.html
France's Orano Reportedly Risks Losing Uranium Mine in Niger
France's Orano Reportedly Risks Losing Uranium Mine in Niger
Sputnik Africa
Niger accounted for about 4% of global uranium mine production in 2022, according to the World Nuclear Association. France relies on Niger for 15% of its... 15.06.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-06-15T18:48+0200
2024-06-15T18:48+0200
2024-06-17T12:39+0200
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The French company Orano risks losing the right to develop uranium at the Imouraren mine because it has not agreed with the authorities of Niger on the extension of the agreement, Western media reported on Saturday.As noted, Orano SA may lose the right to mine uranium at one of the world's largest deposits since June 19, after Niger rejected the French nuclear company's plan to develop the asset.The proposed plan to develop the Imouraren deposit "doesn’t meet the authorities’ expectations," said a letter from Niger's mining ministry seen by the agency.Imouraren is one of the world's largest uranium deposits, with reserves estimated at 200,000 tons. Orano holds a majority stake in Imouraren SA, while Niger's Sopamin SA controls the remaining 33.35%.Orano currently operates the Somair open pit mine in the northern Arlit region, following the closure of the Cominak mine in 2021. The Somair mine resumed operations in February after several months of suspended production following the coup in the West African country. Operations at Imouraren have been suspended since 2015, according to the company's website.France relies on Niger for 15% of its uranium needs for nuclear reactors, which account for 65% of the country's electricity production, a French newspaper reported last year, citing Orano.The European Union utilities depended on Niger, the world's seventh-largest uranium producer, for about a quarter of their uranium supply in 2022, according to the Euratom Supply Agency.
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France's Orano Reportedly Risks Losing Uranium Mine in Niger
18:48 15.06.2024 (Updated: 12:39 17.06.2024) Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
Niger accounted for about 4% of global uranium mine production in 2022, according to the World Nuclear Association. France relies on Niger for 15% of its uranium needs for nuclear reactors, which account for 65% of the country's electricity production, a French newspaper reported last year, citing Orano.
The French company Orano risks losing the right to develop uranium at the Imouraren mine because it has not agreed with the
authorities of Niger on the extension of the agreement, Western media reported on Saturday.
As noted, Orano SA may lose the right to mine uranium at one of the world's largest deposits since June 19, after Niger rejected the French nuclear company's plan to develop the asset.
The proposed plan to develop the Imouraren deposit "doesn’t meet the authorities’ expectations," said a letter from Niger's mining ministry seen by the agency.
"The second and final notice will end on June 19, after which date the company’s operating permit will be revoked," Nigerien authorities said.
Imouraren is one of the world's largest uranium deposits, with reserves estimated at 200,000 tons. Orano holds a majority stake in Imouraren SA, while Niger's Sopamin SA controls the remaining 33.35%.
Orano currently operates the Somair open pit mine in the northern
Arlit region, following the closure of the Cominak mine in 2021. The Somair mine resumed operations in February after several months of suspended production following the coup in the West African country. Operations at Imouraren have been suspended since 2015, according to the company's website.
France relies on Niger for 15% of its uranium needs for nuclear reactors, which account for 65% of the country's electricity production, a French newspaper reported last year, citing Orano.
The European Union utilities depended on Niger, the world's seventh-largest uranium producer, for about a quarter of their uranium supply in 2022, according to the Euratom Supply Agency.
