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(last updated 4 July 2024)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Niger:
Bayswater Uranium Corporation 
(planned),
Areva NC,
Greencastle Resources Ltd. (planned),
Forte Energy NL (planned),
Southampton Ventures Inc. ,
North Atlantic Resources Ltd. ,
Selier Energy Niger SARL ,
Anglo-Canadian Uranium Corp. (planned),
China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC),
Société des Mines d'Azelik (SOMINA),
Global Atomic Fuels Corporation ,
Homeland Uranium Inc. ,
Trendfield Holdings SA ,
Paladin Energy Ltd,
NGM Resources Ltd,
Indo Energy Ltd,
Semafo Inc. ,
Orezone Gold Corporation ,
Niger Resources Inc. ,
Brighton Energy Ltd ,
Rockgate Capital Corp.,
COJ Commodity Investments Ltd (UK),
Agadez Ltd (UK),
Dharni Sampda Private Limited ,
Taurian Resources Niger S.A. ,
Rio Tinto,
ATI Petroleum ,
Niger Uranium Limited,
Niger Uranium SA,
Nordic Diamonds Ltd. ,
Dhanani Holding Niger,
La Société Salamat Mining Niger,
Island Arc Exploration Corp. (application),
GoviEx Uranium Inc.,
Artemis Resources Ltd ,
Oklo Uranium Ltd ,
Aura Energy Ltd ,
REC Minerals Corp. (planned),
Brinkley Mining Plc ,
Semmous Lion Mining Ltd. ,
Earthstone Uranium FZE ,
Signet Mining Services Ltd ,
Niger Mining Services SARL ,
Gazprom OAO ,
Cooper Minerals Inc. ,
African Minerals ,
Pan African Gold and Minerals (Pty) Ltd (Pan African Minerals ),
ENRG Elements Ltd ,
Zijing Hechuang Science and Technology Development Company ltd,
Loxcroft Resources Ltd,
Central Global Access International Niger,
Myriad Metals Corp.
, a unit of Gazprom OAO , won a license to explore for uranium in the region of Agadez in northern Niger, the government said in a statement.
The Moscow-based company will invest $5 million in the project, according to today's statement. (Bloomberg Jan. 28, 2010)
announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with African country Niger to import an annual 400 tons of uranium used for nuclear power. The promised annual 400 tons comprises 10 percent of the uranium used at home for a year. The state-run company also plans to buy a five-percent stake in a uranium mine being developed by Niger.
(Chosunilbo Mar 20, 2009)
, a diversified multinational group headed by non-resident Indian Pankaj Shah, has, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Earthstone Uranium FZE, entered into an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Niger, whereby the Republic of Niger will grant Earthstone Uranium four exploration permits for uranium and associated elements.
The four permits totalling about 2,000 sq. km. are part of the Tim Mersoi sedimentary basin. These permits in Niger are in regions now producing uranium, including the Akouta underground mine and Arlit open pit mine operated by Areva.
(The Hindu Dec. 3, 2008)
has recently won a contract which gives it exclusive rights over 3,000 sq. km. of the Sahara Desert known to be rich in deposits of uranium. According to the estimates of the Managing Director of the company, Sachin Bajla, the area in the Arlit region is likely to hold at least 30,000 tonnes of uranium. This is the first time any Indian has won a contract for uranium exploration and mining anywhere in the world., the 45-member nation that controls all nuclear-related commerce, and hence it should be easy for India to access the uranium once the mines become operational - this will take several years.
(The Hindu Aug. 19, 2007)
Russia reportedly seeking takeover of Orano's uranium assets in Niger:
> View here
Civil society concerned about possible groundwater pollution by proposed in situ leach mining of Imouraren uranium deposit:
The French uranium giant signed a "global partnership agreement" in early May to relaunch the Imouraren project. The exploitation of this deposit located in Arlit, in the north of the country, had been abandoned in 2015, due to the fall in uranium prices. Today, Orano wants to relaunch the project, but with a new extraction method [In-situ Recovery (ISR)], which would avoid an open pit mine. [...]
No quarry, no blasting, no mining machinery... For Orano, ISR is therefore the most ecological solution. It is also the least expensive at a time when fuel prices are reaching record highs because mining machinery consumes a lot of it.
But in Imouraren, the uranium layer is just above a significant groundwater table and the method is rejected by civil society who met Orano on Thursday, in the town of Dannet. ISR "will pollute the aquifers and put an end to our hope of developing our agriculture," explains Amodi Arrandishou, vice-president of the Collective of Civil Society Organizations in Agadez. "All the water tables in the region are threatened," insists Rhamar Ilatoufegh of the environmental NGO Aghir Inman.
In order to test ISR, the agreement provides that Orano renounces its Imouraren operating permit to revert to an exploration permit. The decision whether or not to operate using this process is scheduled for 2028.
(RFI May 17, 2023)
Decision on launch of Imouraren uranium mine deferred to 2028, while in situ leach pilot test envisaged for 2024:
The decision to exploit one of the largest deposits of uranium in the world, in the north of Niger, will be taken in 2028 after tests which should begin in 2024, announced to AFP Matthieu Davrinche, director of Imouraren SA, a joint venture between the French group Orano (ex-Areva) and the Niger State. The exploitation of Imouraren, located 80 km south of Arlit and whose reserves have been estimated at around 200,000 tonnes, should have started in 2015, but the fall in uranium prices on the world market after the disaster Fukushima nuclear in 2011 froze the project.
Question: Where is the project to exploit the Imouraren deposit today?
Matthieu Davrinche: This is a major project for Orano. We are relaunching it following several hydrogeological studies which allow us to think that the ISR method (In situ recovery – extraction of uranium by pumping) can be very interesting for the exploitation of this deposit.
It was stopped when prices were $35 to $40 per pound of uranium. They then hit a low point in 2016, around $18 to $20 per pound. There, we are at levels of around 50 dollars per pound, but we have no assurance that this is a lasting increase. In the planning that we envisage, we continue to set up these hydrogeological studies which should lead to a Go-no go (launch or not) of a pilot at the end of 2023 / beginning of 2024.
(Epoch Times Mar. 15, 2023)
Orano mulling in situ leaching for Imouraren uranium mine project: The Imouraren uranium project will not be getting off the ground in 2023. To cut down on operating costs, the French firm is toying with the idea of resorting to controversial extraction techniques used in Kazakhstan, but it remains evasive concerning its intentions. (Africa Intelligence Feb. 3, 2023)
Orano looks at ways to improve economics of mothballed Imouraren uranium mine project:
After years of shutting down the giant Imouraren site, which was to become Africa's largest uranium mine, Orano announced that it had scheduled several campaigns "of preliminary studies based on tests and surveys of specific areas of the deposit by 2022".
The Orano press service told Mondafrique that "these drilling campaigns aim to establish the possible applicability of innovative extraction techniques to part of the ore in the deposit, which could ultimately improve the economy of the project."
Indeed, "the launch of the Imouraren project is not envisaged under the current conditions of the uranium market, but its development remains a priority for Orano."
(Mondafrique Sep. 17, 2020)
[apparently, the "innovative extraction technique" in question is in situ leaching]
Imouraren mine to start mining before 2020, French prime minister hopes: French prime minister Manuel Valls hopes that the Imouraren mine, the development of which is currently suspended indefinitely, will start operations before the end of the decade. (Le Figaro Nov. 23, 2014)
Areva signs uranium deal with Niger, delays new Imouraren mine:
> View here
Areva loses confidence in uranium reserves at Imouraren deposit:
"Following the drilling campaign carried out from late 2012 to early 2013, Imouraren estimates confirmed the level of resources and reserves. However, due to uncertainties concerning the match between the geostatistical model and geological observations, proven reserves were transferred to probable reserves."
(2013 Reference Document, Areva, March 31, 2014)
The 2013 Reference Document lists 213,722 t U in probable reserves and no proven reserves, while the previous edition had listed 82,885 t U in proven and 130,837 t U in probable reserves.
Areva considering to postpone operation of Imouraren mine further to 2019-2020, paper; Areva denies:
According to French daily Libération, Areva considers to postpone the start of operation at the Imouraren uranium mine further to 2019-2020.
However, Areva meanwhile categorically denied any plans for further delays of the opening of the mine.
(Libération Dec. 9, 2013)
Start of production at Areva's Imouraren uranium mine delayed further to the end of 2015: French nuclear company Areva will delay the start of uranium production from its Imouraren mine in Niger by at least six months to the end of 2015, Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou said on Friday (Dec. 6). (Mining Weekly Dec. 6, 2013)
Production at Areva's Imouraren uranium mine not to start before mid-2015: Uranium production from Areva's Imouraren mine in Niger will not start before mid-2015, senior executive vice-president of mining Olivier Wantz said on Thursday (Mar. 7). (Reuters Mar. 7, 2013)
Areva to pay EUR 35 million compensation for delay of Imouraren uranium mine project: French nuclear company Areva has agreed to pay Niger EUR 35-million ($46.71-million) in compensation for delays to its Imouraren uranium mining project in the north of the desert country, a presidency official said on Sunday (Jan. 13). The mine is meant to more than double Niger's uranium output, making it the world's second-largest exporter of the nuclear fuel, but its start-up was delayed from 2012 after seven Areva workers were kidnapped three years ago. Areva had already pushed the mine's opening back to 2013 but Massaoudou Hassoumi, chief of staff to President Mamadou Issoufou, said the company had confirmed another delay. "This money is to compensate a year-long delay which will push production at the mine back to 2014 or 2015," he told a news conference, saying the company's "gift" to Niger would be laid out in a special protocol between Areva and the government. (Reuters Jan. 14, 2013)
Areva denies discussions with Chinese CGNPC on acquisition of share in Imouraren uranium mine project: Following an information published on the French website La Tribune on October 25, 2012, AREVA denied that discussions would be in progress with the Chinese power company CGNPC to acquire a share in the future uranium mine Imouraren located in the North Niger.
Niger warns Areva on delays to Imouraren uranium mine project: Niger warned French nuclear giant Areva on Thursday (Oct. 11) against any further delays to its Imouraren uranium mining project, saying it could not support a company that is unable to meet its commitments. The planned startup of production was delayed to 2013 or 2014 from 2012 after seven Areva workers were kidnapped in Niger's north two years ago. Construction work has also been hampered by labour disputes that triggered strikes earlier this year. (Reuters Oct. 11, 2012)
CRIIRAD and local NGO concerned about impacts of Areva's Imouraren mine, demand preparation of new EIA:
At a press conference held on Aug. 22, 2012, at Valence (France), the independent French radiation laboratory CRIIRAD and the Nigerien NGO Aghir in'Man have expressed their concerns about the exploitation of Areva's Imouraren uranium mine that is to start end 2013. The groups expect that the operation of the mine will lead to the drying up and contamination of water resources and the disappearance of pasture in an area covering hundreds of square kilometres. The mine will also have impacts on fauna and flora, according to the NGO's president Almoustapha Alhacen. CRIIRAD's Bruno Chareyron noted that the ore grade at Imouraren is very low, necessitating the excavation of 3.8 billion tonnes of rock to get at that uranium. Consequently, the open pit mine will have a length of 8 km and a width of 2.5 km. The pit will be surrounded by piles of waste rock with uranium concentrations too low for processing. Dust and seepage from these piles will have impacts on the health of the residents and on groundwater.
(AFP Aug. 22, 2012)
CRIIRAD and Aghir in'Man demand that Areva prepares a new Environmental Impact Assessment and provides precise answers regarding the hydrogeological impact, the long-term disposal of radioactive wastes, and the compensation of affected people.
> View CRIIRAD - Aghir in'Man release Aug. 28, 2012 (in French)
French president wants uranium production at Areva's Imouraren project in Niger to commence as soon as possible: French president François Hollande has spoken out in favour of uranium production at Areva's Imouraren project to commence as soon as possible, preferably before the planned 2014 date. (Reuters June 11, 2012)
Strike halts construction work on Areva's Imouraren uranium mine project: Workers at Areva's Imouraren uranium mining project in Niger began a week-long strike over labour conditions on Wednesday (Apr. 25), union and company officials said, halting construction at the site. The mine is meant to begin production of 5,000 tonnes of uranium per year starting in 2014. (Reuters Apr. 25, 2012)
Imouraren uranium mine on track for 2014, Niger says:
Areva's Imouraren uranium mining project in Niger will likely start production in 2014 after delays caused by kidnappings of foreign workers in the country's north, mines minister Omar Hamidou Tchiana said on Tuesday [Feb. 21].
Tchiana added that a deal reached with partners last week raising the country's extraction price of uranium to 73,000 CFA francs [US$ 144.36] per kilogram [= US$ 55.52 per lb U3O8] from 70,000 CFA/kg would provide a boost to the West African state's economy.
The Imouraren mine, which is being developed by French nuclear company Areva, was meant to start producing in 2012, but work was suspended after seven Areva workers were kidnapped in the northern area of Arlit in 2010.
Al Qaeda's north African wing, which operates in the impoverished nation's vast desert, claimed responsibility for the kidnappings and later released three of the hostages.
Development of the mine also fell into question after Japan suffered earthquakes and a deadly tsunami in 2011 that triggered meltdowns and a radiation crisis at Tokyo Electric's Fukushima Daiichi plant, fanning public safety fears worldwide.
Areva has said the mine will start in 2013 or 2014.
(Reuters Feb. 21, 2012)
Rumors growing that Areva plans to delay Imouraren uranium mine project: According to the Internet site L'Expansion, Areva plans to delay the uranium mine project beyond 2013 as part of a massive restructuring program that is to be set up in reaction to a drop in demand caused by the German nuclear phase-out and the Fukushima disaster. (Le Monde Oct. 18, 2011)
Areva ready to give Chinese access to Imouraren uranium mine: French nuclear giant Areva is ready to open up to a Chinese partner the Imouraren uranium mine in northwestern Niger, which it partially owns, the French president's office said Thursday (Nov. 4). (AFP Nov. 5, 2010)
Areva sees 2013 start-up at Niger uranium mine: French nuclear group Areva said Tuesday (July 20) it hoped to have its huge uranium mine at Imouraren in northern Niger operational by the end of 2013. The mine is expected to produce 5,000 tonnes of uranium a year and represents an investment of more than 1.2 billion euros (1.5 billion dollars). (AFP July 20, 2010)
Imouraren uranium mine startup delayed: French nuclear energy group Areva said on Friday (Feb. 26) it will start producing uranium at its Imouraren mine in Niger in 2013 or 2014, rather than 2012 as planned, because of fallout from the global financial crisis. The mine is still expected to produce 5,000 tonnes per year, Areva said. (Reuters Feb. 26, 2010)
In Niger, Areva should invest 1.2 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in the Imouraren project, scheduled to come on stream in 2012. The project is already delayed a year because of political turbulence in the country. "We will decide in 2011-2012 whether we should scale it for 2,000 tons or 5,000 tons or even 7,000 tons," Sébastien de Montessus, director of Areva's mining business unit said. The current uranium price (US$ 55 / lb U3O8) wouldn't be enough to make an investment of $500 million to $1.5 billion profitable, De Montessus said. "The market price has to go up to $70 to $80." (Bloomberg June 23, 2009)
On May 4, 2009, the foundation stone was laid for the Imouraren uranium mine project. (AFP May 4, 2009)
On Jan. 5, 2009, Areva announced the receipt of a licence to operate the Imouraren mine. Mining is due to begin in 2012.
On July 31, 2008, Areva announced the receipt of the environmental approval for its Imouraren uranium mine project. The approval is part of the documentation for the exploitation permit applied for by Areva on May 15, 2008.
On Jan. 13, 2008, Areva announced it has received government agreement to launch mining at the Imouraren deposit and to extend its exploration scope. With a planned investment of over 1 billion euros (approximately 650 billion FCFA), the Imouraren site will constitute the biggest industrial mining project ever under consideration in Niger, placing it at the second world rank with almost 5,000 tons of uranium produced annually.
Heavily-armed men attacked a camp of uranium prospectors in northern Niger early on Apr. 20, 2007, killing a security guard and wounding three other people, industry sources said. Some 20-30 men demanding a better deal for local Tuareg people raided the camp operated by the French nuclear energy group Areva housing around 250 people and made off with six vehicles and a large number of mobile phones. The raid took place at Imouraren, 85 kilometres south of the main uranium-producing centre of Arlit, the sources said. The gunmen said they belonged to a group called the Niger Movement for Justice, which emerged in February 2007. They called for the proper implementation of a 1995 accord which ended a Tuareg rebellion by promising the tribesmen priority in jobs with local mining companies. (AFP Apr. 20, 2007)
Areva may begin producing 4,000 tonnes of uranium a year starting in 2011 from a deposit located in Imouraren, said Mohamed Abdoulahi, Minister of Mines and Energy. The Imouraren deposit contains 146,000 tonnes, one of the world's biggest. Areva's project will cost as much as 500 million euros, said Oumarou Massalbi, director of mines at the ministry. (The Standard Mar. 8, 2007)
> View more recent issues
Azelik mine in Niger sends first uranium shipment to China On Oct. 22, 2012, CNNC's Azelik mine sent the first shipment of uranium product to China. Construction of the mine started in July 2008, and pilot production commenced in March 2011. (CNNC Oct. 30, 2012)
Niger secures $99 million China loan for Azelik uranium mine: Niger has secured a 650 million yuan preferential loan from China's Export-Import Bank to fund development of the Azelik uranium mine in the country's north, the government said. Niger and China's National Nuclear Corporation formed a joint venture, Somina, in 2007 for development of the Azelik deposit, with production of 700 tonnes per year. The loan is repayable in 15 years with a five-year grace period and an interest rate of 2 percent, a source close to the joint-venture company told Reuters on condition of anonymity. The government did not comment on the terms of the loan. (Reuters Apr. 1, 2011)
China produces first overseas uranium in Niger: The Azelik mine produced its first barrels of uranium product on Dec. 30, 2010. The company will now continue testing and improvements to reach full capacity as soon as possible. (CNNC Dec. 31, 2010)
The overseas arm of China National Nuclear Corp expects to produce its first uranium this year and to raise production to 2,500 tonnes by 2015, an executive said on Tuesday (Nov. 16). Chen Yuehui deputy general manager of China Uranium Corporation told a conference that the Azelik mine in Niger, 37.2 percent owned by the company, would start trial production before the year-end. China Uranium Corp plans to take output to 4,000-5,000 tonnes by 2020. It also plans to have total uranium resources of 1 million tonnes by 2015. (Reuters Nov. 16, 2010)
China uranium mining company causes unrest in Niger:
The sun-wizened Tuareg women of Azalik have declared war on China. Like their ancestors, they once eked out a living selling dried salts from an ancestral well. Everything changed last year, when the government leased their land to the China Nuclear International Uranium Corporation (Sino-U) for uranium exploration. Left with no livelihood and no compensation, a hundred women gathered to launch stones at mining machinery.
"Now it is eternal war," says Tinatina Salah, their 50-year-old leader, who still seeks compensation for the loss of her salt.
Tuareg rebels accuse deposed president Tandja's administration and mining companies of neglecting development in the north, which is a Tuareg stronghold.
Last month Nigerien workers – many of whom are Tuareg – denounced in a written statement conditions at SOMINA, claiming it resembled "a Chinese colony." Nigerien laborers sleep in dorms, separately from Chinese workers. The rooms are located in illegal proximity to open pit uranium mines, and the Nigeriens suffer chronic diarrhea on account of an unsanitary water supply, the document charged.
(Christian Science Monitor Mar. 29, 2010)
Consultant identifies numerous deficiences with proposed environmental management and missing public consultation for Azelik uranium mine project:
"SRK makes the following observations in respect to the conformance of the proposed
environmental management measures of the Azelik Uranium Project, with recognised
international guidelines and practices:
(CNNC Intl.)
Sinohydro Corp. , China's leading hydraulic construction contractor announced it has secured a 140 million U.S. dollar uranium mine construction deal in Niger with China Nuclear International Uranium Corp. (SinoUranium).
The contract calls for building a uranium mine with annual output of 600,000 tons, a coal-fired power plant and a hydrometallurgy plant in the African country, Sinohydro said in a statement on its website.
The construction will last 900 days.
(People's Daily Online Apr. 8, 2008)
On Nov. 9, 2007, the government of Niger granted Société des Mines d'Azelik (SOMINA) a mining license for the Azelik uranium deposit. SOMINA was formed on June 5, 2007, by the state of Niger and its Chinese partners. On June 19, 2007, the company applied for a mining license for the Azelik uranium deposit. The application was accompanied by an environmental impact study which was approved in July 2007, and a technical-economical feasibility study. The license was granted, after the latter study had been modified, as requested by the authorities. (Tamtaminfo Nov. 9, 2007)
CNNC plans the first production from the Teguidda deposit for the beginning of 2010. (Trendfield, July 24, 2006)
> See also: Collectif des Organisations de la Société Civile de la Région d'Agadez (COSCRAZ) (Facebook)
announced the results of the updated Dasa Project Feasibility Study. The new study has extended the Dasa Mine Life from 12 to 23 years, Mineral Reserves have increased by 50% to 73 million pounds U3O8 [28,077 t U], and uranium production from Dasa has increased by 55% to 68.1 million pounds U3O8 [26,192 t U]. The study is based on a uranium price of US$ 75 per lb U3O8.
> Calculate Dasa mine feasibility
Appeals Court lifts suspension of exploration at Dasa uranium mine project:
A Canadian uranium mine in northern Niger, which was ordered suspended on February 13 following a legal summons to have its environmental impact assessed, can resume its activities, AFP learned on Saturday (Feb. 25) from sources local.
The Dasa mining company (SOMIDA), a subsidiary of the Canadian company Global Atomic, had appealed the decision of the High Court of Agadez (north) to order the suspension of its activities after a summons to court in January by civil society organizations.
An appeal court in Tahoua (west), near the Agadez region, canceled the suspension order on Friday (Feb. 24).
"The dispute is not judged, but the order taken by the judge of Agadez is canceled for illegality given that the president (of the court of appeal) declared himself incompetent", explained to AFP Amodi Arandishu, leader of one of the civil organizations behind the lawsuit.
SOMIDA will therefore be able to continue its activities pending "the judgment of the dispute in the case" which is referred to a court in Niamey, he specified.
(Arab News Feb. 26, 2023)
Court suspends exploration at Dasa uranium mine project:
Nigerien justice has ordered the suspension of the exploitation of a Canadian uranium mine in northern Niger which has been sued by civil society organizations to have its environmental impact assessed, AFP learned on Tuesday (Feb. 14). from judicial sources.
We "order the Dasa mining company (SOMIDA SA), the suspension of the exploitation operation of the mine located on the EMOLES 4 site", indicated Monday (Feb. 13) the High Court of Agadez (center-west).
This decision comes after the summons on January 3 by a group of civil society organizations from the Agadez region of the Canadian company Global Atomic, shareholder of the Société des mines de Dasa (SOMIDA).
This group demands "the resumption" and "expertise" of the environmental impact study which, it says, was "botched" and made "without the participation of the population concerned".
(Le360 Africa Feb. 14, 2023)
According to a release of Global Atomic Corp. of Feb. 14, 2023, the court issued several orders. One order requires SOMIDA to cease all operations under the Adrar Emoles 4 ("AE4") exploration permit, which is held by the company's subsidiary, Global Atomic Fuels Corporation. The AE4 permit covers Global Atomic's Isakanen deposit that is currently undergoing exploration and initial tests for In Situ Recovery (ISR) of uranium. The Dasa mining project is located at Adrar Emoles 3, however.
The remaining orders relate to the publication of the 2020 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment on the company's Dasa Project:
BASICALLYUnderground development started at Dasa uranium mine project: On Nov. 5, 2022, Global Atomic Corp. held the Opening Blast Ceremony for the underground development of the Dasa uranium mine. First yellowcake deliveries are expected in early 2025. (Global Atomic Corp. Nov. 7, 2022)In witness whereof, this certificate is issued to serve and assert that right.
- Declare well-founded all requests submitted by the NGOs "CONSEILS CITOYENS POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS-QUE CHOISIR?", "TANKARA", and "ACP ALHER";
- Order SOCIÉTÉ DES MINES DE DASA (SOMIDA SA) to suspend mining operations at the mine located on the EMOLES 4 site;
- We order SOCIÉTÉ DES MINES DE DASA (SOMIDA SA) to publish the environmental impact study and possibly its expertise and counter-expertise;
- Order the publication of the specifications, in particular its local content;
- Order monitoring and evaluation by civil society actors;
- Order the provisional execution of the decision immediately and before recording;
- Order SOCIÉTÉ DES MINES DE DASA (SOMIDA) and the State of Niger to pay the costs; Notice of appeal: 15 days from the pronouncement of this decision by bailiff
Agadez, February 13, 2023
THE CHIEF CLERK (signature)
35% of power requirements for Dasa uranium mine project to be provided from renewables:
On July, 21, 2022, Global Atomic Corporation announced that Enernet Global Inc. has commenced early engineering for a hybrid power plant for the Dasa Project.
Once operating, the mine will require 12 MW of consistent power and Enernet will deliver a hybrid power plant including 16 MW solar, 15 MW [MWh?] battery energy storage, a 16 MW back-up diesel generation plant and advanced controls integrated with grid power provided by the Niger Government owned Sonichar utility. The system will provide approximately 35% of power requirements from renewables.
Ground breaking at Dasa uranium mine project:
Canadian project developer Global Atomic has broken ground at its Dasa uranium project, in Niger, almost two months ahead of schedule.
The board in November made a production decision to proceed with the Dasa project, after a feasibility study determined that the project was economically viable at a base price assumption of $35/lb.
"With the activity already occurring at site, we have broken ground almost two months ahead of schedule. The team is growing and fully engaged at site, with the goal of building our mine and mill to produce yellowcake for sale by January 2025," CEO Stephen Roman reported on Monday (Dec. 13).
Using local contractors and heavy equipment, Global Atomic has started with site infrastructure development, including road upgrades to connect the mine camp to the main highway, new roads to the mine and mill sites and the box and portal area is cleared for excavation to begin in January.
The company is also constructing warehousing facilities and employee housing development is under way.
Global Atomic has signed a definitive contract with CMAC-Thyssen Mining to start operations at the Dasa site in April next year. CMAC will collar the portal and complete more than 8 000 m of horizontal and vertical underground mine development within the ensuing 24 months to prepare stopes for commercial operations.
(Mining Weekly Dec. 13, 2021)
Positive Feasibility Study announced for Phase 1 of Dasa uranium mine project:
On November 15, 2021: Global Atomic Corporation announced the results of the Phase 1 Dasa Project Feasibility Study for the company's Dasa Uranium Project in the Republic of Niger.
The Study confirms that the Project is economically compelling, even at a price of $35 per pound U3O8. Based on the Study, the strong uranium market and anticipated uranium supply deficits, the Board of Directors have made a production decision to proceed with the Dasa Project. The Study is focused solely on Phase 1, primarily comprised of the Flank Zone, and represents the initial 12 years of the Project and less than 20% of the Dasa mineralization. The Study is an update from the Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") filed in May 2020. A slightly revised edition of the Study was released on Jan. 9, 2023.
Construction of Dasa uranium mine to begin in 2022: The company now has all government approvals to advance the development of the Dasa project towards commercial production, president and CEO Stephen Roman said. Global Atomic is targeting the first quarter of 2022 to begin earthworks to build the mine. (Mining Weekly Feb. 1, 2021)
Dasa uranium mine project obtains Environmental Compliance Certificate: On Jan. 28, 2021, Global Atomic Corporation announced that the Government of the Republic of Niger has issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate for the Dasa Uranium Project. The Company has also received three-year permit extensions for each of its six Exploration properties in Niger.
Dasa uranium mine project obtains mining permit: On Dec. 23, 2020, Global Atomic Corporation announced The Presidential Decree granting the Mining Permit has been approved by the Council of Ministers for the company's Dasa Uranium Project.
Mining Permit Application submitted for Dasa uranium mine project: On Sep. 28, 2020, Global Atomic Corp. announced that it has submitted the Mining Permit Application for its Dasa uranium mine project.
EIS submitted for Dasa uranium mine project: On July 29, 2020, Global Atomic Corp. announced that it has filed its completed Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS"), with the Niger Government. In August, two public hearings regarding the EIS are being scheduled; one in the Dasa Project area and the other in the capital city of Niamey.
Downsized mine plan announced for Dasa uranium mine project:
On Apr. 15, 2020, Global Atomic Corp. announced the results of an optimized mine plan as the basis for a new Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA").
The plan ("Optimized Phase 1 Project") involves the mining of higher grade material comprising just one quarter of the total resource. Peak ore production is 1,124 t per day. The Phase 1 Project mine life is 12 years.
The plan is based on a uranium price of US$ 35 / lb U3O8.
Ore from proposed Dasa uranium mine to be milled at Orano's Arlit mine?: On Mar. 30, 2020, Global Atomic Corp. announced that "Discussions are on-going with Orano Mining for a potential mutually beneficial outcome to deliver uranium bearing rock to the Somaïr processing facility in Arlit, Niger"
Niger encourages CNNC to supply the uranium mill at its suspended Azelik mine with uranium ore from Dasa mine project:
> View here
Positive Preliminary Economic Assessment announced for Dasa uranium mine project:
On Oct. 23, 2018, Global Atomic Corp. announced the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on the DASA Project.
The objective of the PEA was to study the DASA Project as an integrated underground mining operation, processing mineralized material through an on-site mill (the "DASA Standalone Scenario") initially operating at 2,500 tpd and ramping up to 3,000 tpd.
The PEA is based on a uranium price of US$ 50 / lb U3O8.
Global Atomic Fuels Corp. plans open pit uranium mine at Adrar Emoles concession:
On Sept. 23, 2010, Global Atomic Fuels Corporation , a private Ontario corporation, announced the results of the metallurgical and economic studies on the Dasa open pit target located on Global's Adrar Emoles #3 concession in Niger.
Dasa will be mined as a series of open pits with ore moving to a central vat leach plant to produce yellow cake.
Phase I, drilling has outlined an initial resource of approximately 23 million pounds [8,846 t U] in an inferred category (Non NI 43-101 compliant)
Production plan anticipates an initial production of 1 million pounds [385 t U]/annum increasing to 2 million pounds [769 t U]/annum by year 3.
Initial mine life is 10 years.
Niger withdraws mining permit for GoviEx's Madaouéla uranium mine project: On July 4, 2024, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that it has been informed by the Government of the Republic of Niger, by way of a letter from the Minister of Mines, that it no longer has rights over the perimeter of the Madaouela mining permit, which is now in the public domain.
Madaouéla uranium mine project obtains radiological certificate:
On June 6, 2024, GoviEx Uranium Inc. reported that it has received its radiological certificate for the Madaouela uranium project from the Nigerien Government.
The radiological certificate is a regulatory requirement prior to starting mining operations and confirms the completion of radiological baseline studies.
Government of Niger gives GoviEx ultimatum for start of mining at Madaouéla uranium mine project: On Apr. 19, 2024, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that the company has received notice that it must commence mining at its Madaouéla uranium project by 3 July 2024, failing which there is a risk of revocation of its mining permit.
Arlit civil society disappointed at pace of development of Madaouéla uranium mine:
In July 2019, Mahamadou Issoufou, then president of Niger, went to Madawela to lay the first stone of the industrial complex, three and a half years after the Canadian company Goviex obtained authorization to exploit this uranium deposit, a few kilometers from Arlit.
Since then, "the environmental impact study has been updated", affirms the NGO Aghirinman but exploitation has still not started, regrets its president who signs a letter to question the Ministry of Mines about this deadline.
"From postponement to postponement, we continue to drag on, while the youth of our region wait for jobs," explains Almoustapha Alhacen. "We want to benefit from our resources and the economic benefits," adds the president of the organization.
(RFI Mar. 2, 2024)
Positive feasibility study results announced for proposed Madaouéla uranium mine:
On Sep. 20, 2022, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced the results of a feasibility study for its Madaouéla Uranium Project.
The study is based on a uranium price of USD 65/lb U3O8, that is 37% above the current spot price.
The full feasibility study was released on Nov. 7, 2022.
> Calculate mine feasibility
Results of updated pre-feasibility study announced for proposed Madaouéla uranium mine, dismissing ablation process for ore pre-concentration:
On Feb. 18, 2021, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced the results of an updated pre-feasibility study for its Madaouéla Uranium Project.
Mining operations for the project are planned to be based initially on standard truck and shovel open pit mining for the Miriam deposit at a planned rate of 1 Mt per annum of ore feed to the process plant, which results in an initial six years of mining operations at Miriam.
The M&M and MNSE-Maryvonne deposits are planned to be mined by room and pillar, similar to the adjacent Orano S.A.'s Cominak mine. Ore mining is designed to be undertaken at a rate of approximately 1.4 Mt per annum.
Due to the insufficient commercial operations of Ablation [for details, see: Hansen project, Colorado] and Solvent Extraction as process routes, [...] a pragmatic approach was adopted to utilize a simple and proven flowsheet including whole ore leaching to treat the ore arising from the open-cast Miriam operation, which has relatively low gangue-acid consumers, and then add XRF based ore sorting and reverse flotation in later years, when the underground ore with higher acid consumption is treated.
The life of mine operations for the Project is forecast to last 20 years, producing an average of 2.48 Mlb U3O8 [954 t U] per annum. Molybdenum will be recovered as a by-product.
The study is based on a uranium price of USD 55/lb U3O8 over the life of mine, almost twice the current spot price.
The full pre-feasibility study was released on Apr. 5, 2021.
Additional deposits included in Madaouéla mining permit without requirement for new environmental assessment: On Sep. 23, 2019, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that the Republic of Niger has formally approved the revision to the shape of the Madaouéla I Mining Permit that forms part of GoviEx's Madaouéla uranium project in Niger to include the additional 5.96 million pounds (Mlb) U3O8 [2,292 t U] in the Measured and Indicated categories associated with the Miriam uranium deposit as well as 17.88 million pounds (Mlb) U3O8 [6,877 t U] in the Measured and Indicated categories associated Madaouéla South North East (MSNE) deposit, both previously situated within the Agaliouk exploration permit. In addition, the State has confirmed the environmental and social impact assessment certificate for the Madaouéla I Mining Permit also covers both the Miriam and MSNE deposits.
Foundation stone laid for Madaouéla uranium mine:
Canadian group GoviEx will build a uranium mining complex at Madaouéla, near Arlit in northern Niger, said Tuesday (July 23) the Nigerian president who kicked off the works.
"I am delighted with the laying of the (first) stone of the mining complex of Madaouéla which will be operational in principle in two years," Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou said at a launch ceremony in the North of the country. The area concerned covers an area of more than 243 km2 and the total amount of investments is $ 676 million, said a statement from the council.
(Le Figaro July 23, 2019)
Government of Niger and GoviEx agree on development of Madaouéla uranium mine project:
Canadian junior GoviEx and the government of Niger have agreed on a framework to jointly develop the Madaouéla uranium project, in terms of which the government will acquire an additional 10% working interest.
The 10% stake in the uranium project is in addition to the government's 10% free-carried interest provided for under the 2006 Niger mining code.
The government further agreed to expand the Madaouéla permit to add a further 5.96-million pounds of uranium oxide [2,292 t U] in the measured and indicated categories, while it would grant the company renewed nine-year permits for its other exploration permits.
(Mining Weekly Apr. 8, 2019)
On July 19, 2019, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced the signing of definitive agreements to finalize the commercial terms to progress the Madaouéla uranium project.
Solar power for proposed Madaouéla uranium mine?:
On Jan. 29, 2019 GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Windiga Energy Inc. to jointly evaluate the feasibility of powering the Company's Madaouéla Project using a dedicated and renewable hybrid solar power solution.
GoviEx has requested that Windiga determine the feasibility of a solution to power the Madaouéla Project and the surrounding local community through a hybrid power plant combining photovoltaic solar panels and diesel generators with total installed capacity of at least 20 MW.
Uranium prospection restarted at licensed Madaouéla uranium mine project in quest to find deposit that can be mined at lower cost: On Oct. 4, 2016, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that it has selected a contractor to carry out an inaugural radon gas survey near the Miriam deposit at its Madaouéla uranium project. Daniel Major, GoviEx's CEO commented "[...] finding more resources that are amenable to lower-cost, open-pit mining is important in the current uranium price environment. Obtaining favourable results from these tests should positively impact our recently announced initiative to seek debt financing for our planned mine at the Madaouéla Project."
Mining Permit issued for Madaouéla uranium mine project:
Niger has awarded a permit to GoviEx Niger Holdings Ltd., the Niger branch of GoviEx, to exploit uranium for investments worth $676 million at the 243-km Madaouela Project in the Agadez region, according to a government statement.
Niamey also granted four permits for uranium exploration to GoviEx Niger Holding Ltd. and two other companies, said the statement, which is read on public television.
(Reuters Jan. 26, 2016)
Despite the news, GoviEx on Tuesday (Jan. 26) also announced that it had initiated a strategic realignment plan to aggressively reduce operating and sustaining costs through a programme of targeted compensation adjustments, non-essential retrenchments, cut-backs in overheads, and other cost-cutting measures.
These changes were forecast to reduce operating costs by approximately 50%, GoviEx advised.
(Mining Weekly Jan. 27, 2016)
Mining Permit application filed for Madaouéla uranium mine project: On June 30, 2015, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that the Mining Permit application for the company's Madaouela Uranium Project in the prolific Arlit uranium-mining district of northern Niger has been filed with the Government of Niger.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment submitted for Madaouéla uranium mine project: On Mar. 10, 2015, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the company's Madaouéla Uranium Project has been completed and filed with the Nigerien Minister in charge of the Environment.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to be completed for Madaouéla Uranium Project: On July 2, 2014, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that the Company has executed contracts with SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd and Legeni S.A. to finalize the completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") for the Madaouéla Project in Niger.
Madaouéla mine project feasible - if uranium price doubles:
On Mar. 28, 2014, GoviEx Uranium Inc. released an "an updated integrated
development plan for the Madaouela project, Niger". The ore is to be mined in open pit and underground mines. The ore is to be pre-concentrated in a two-stage sorting process, including ablation for the second stage. The feasibility study assumes a uranium price of US$ 70 per lb U3O8 - more than twice the current spot price (US$ 34 per lb U3O8).
On Apr. 2, 2014, GoviEx announced a public offering to fund further exploration drilling at the site.
> For the use of ablation technology, see also: Hansen project, Colorado
On April 23, 2012, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced that the company has closed a US$40 million strategic financing and executed an off-take agreement with Japanese industrial and nuclear giant Toshiba Corporation to advance the development of GoviEx's Madaouéla Project. A pre-feasibility study is scheduled for completion toward the end of 2012. The start of production is planned "before 2018".
On June 14, 2011, GoviEx Uranium Inc. released the summary of the Preliminary Economic Assessment on the company's Madaouéla Project in Niger.
On Nov. 8, 2010, GoviEx Uranium Inc. announced positive results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment of the mine planned at the company's Madaouéla Project in Niger.
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