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(last updated 19 Sep 2024)
Peace and environmental activists from around the world are gathering here [Moshi, Tanzania] in a quest to persuade African governments to slap a ban on uranium mining and nuclear weapons as they are twin threats.
Under the K-Project for Peace 
, the activists, having gone through scientific studies, have formed an opinion that it is in everybody's best interest that uranium should remain in the ground, as its extraction is in every way hazardous.
K-Project for Peace started as an appeal by Ms Racheal Chagonja, an environmental and peace activist from Tanzania, when she saw the devastating effects of uranium mining (U-Mining) to the environment, health, and rights of indigenous people in Niger and Mali [?!?].
(Daily News July 2, 2015)
to jointly develop uranium resources in Africa, sources reported.
In a statement posted on its website, CNNC said that both parties will set up a joint venture in Beijing to invest in and develop uranium resources in Africa.
(China Knowledge Sep. 2, 2010)
(ANPM) said Wednesday (June 20) in Algiers it was not considering the launch of tenders for uranium exploration in Algeria, adding that "this strategic metal" required "a specific framework" for its operations.
(La Tribune June 20, 2012)
holds a symposium on the uranium resources in the country and their valorization.
In Botswana, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
Uramin Inc.,
Bannerman Resources Limited,
Mount Burgess Mining NL ,
African Energy Resources (Guernsey) Ltd ,
A-Cap Energy Ltd ,
Aquentium, Inc. ,
Mootah Energetic Pty. Ltd.,
Impact Minerals Ltd ,
Cardia Technologies Ltd ,
Cam Bow Holdings (Pty) Ltd ,
Tsodilo Resources Ltd ,
Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Ltd. ,
Sechaba Natural Resources Pty Ltd
Scoping Study released on Letlhakane uranium mine project:
On Sep. 19, 2024, Lotus Resources Ltd announced the results of the Scoping Study for its Letlhakane Uranium Project in Botswana.
The study is based on a uranium price of US$ 80 per lb U3O8.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility
Chinese tycoon seeks majority share in company owning Letlhakane uranium mine project:
He Jiandong, a Chinese engineering tycoon, has mounted a US$5 million bid for control of A-Cap Energy, the firm developing the Letlhakane Uranium Mine near Serule which is ranked in the world's top 10 undeveloped uranium projects.
A-Cap shareholders are due to vote on the offer by March and although directors have said the offer is unfair, they also say it is reasonable.
Jiandong's Shenke Holdings has tabled an offer to Jiangsu Shengen Resources group for its 41% stake in A-Cap. That stake would give Jiandong control of the firm, with the two other major investors holding a collective 34%.
(A-Cap Energy Jan. 7, 2020, Mmegi Jan. 17, 2020)
Construction of Letlhakane uranium mine project deferred by another two years: On Aug. 21, 2019, A-Cap Energy Ltd announced that the Botswana Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security has approved to delay the construction of the Letlhakane Uranium Project by another two years to Oct. 30, 2021.
Name change of owner of Letlhakane uranium mine project: On Nov. 26, 2018, A-Cap Resources Ltd announced a name change to A-Cap Energy Ltd.
Construction of Letlhakane uranium mine project deferred by two years: On Sep. 22, 2017, A-Cap Resources Ltd announced that the Botswana Department of Mines has approved to delay the construction of the Letlhakane Uranium Project by two years, as requested by the company in view of the "delayed recovery in the price of uranium" and ongoing optimisation work for the proposed mine and mill.
Villagers to be resettled for Letlhakane uranium mine project:
This week, the Australia-based company [A-Cap Resources Ltd ] said it has embarked on a comprehensive consultation and engagement with communities affected by the envisaged project in those villages in the Central District.
Environmental consultants, Ecosurv , have been tasked, in conjunction with the Tonota Sub-Land Board, to prepare the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). "The Tonota Sub-Land Board has convened an assessment committee that comprises two technical officers and three members of the board," A-Cap said.
It added that the committee is expected to work with A-Cap and Ecosurv during the development of the RAP, which will ultimately guide the developer during the compensation phase.
The consultation kicks off today in the Serule and Gojwane villages, where the development of a mine and wellfield will take place.
(Mmegi Apr. 28, 2017)
Letlhakane uranium mine project obtains mining licence:
On Sep. 9, 2016, A-Cap announced that the Botswana Department of Mines approved the company's application for a mining licence for the Lethlakane Uranium Project. A-Cap further announced that Jiangsu Chixiang Precision Gear Co., Ltd has increased its shareholdings in the company to 41.76%.
Letlhakane uranium mine project obtains provisional surface rights: On June 16, 2016, A-Cap announced that the Mmadinare Sub Land Board granted A-Cap provisional surface rights over the 144 square kilometer area covering the Letlhakane Uranium Project. The surface rights are provisional upon compensation for the affected land rights holders in the area being resolved.
Letlhakane uranium mine project obtains environmental approval: On May 18, 2016, A-Cap announced that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Letlhakane Uranium Project has been approved by the Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
Mining licence application submitted for Letlhakane uranium mine in spite of shaky economics:
On Sep. 11, 2015, A-Cap Resources Ltd. announced that the mining licence application for the Letlhakane uranium mine was submitted to the Botswana Department of Mines on the 18th August 2015.
The company also announced that a "Technical Study" - prepared by the company itself (!) - now determined lower operating costs of US$ 41 per lb U3O8 over a 18 year mine life. The study is based on unreliable resources data and moreover assumes an extraordinary uranium price of US$ 81 per lb U3O8 over the mine life.
Letlhakane uranium mine to open in 2016: The Botswana Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer, Charles Siwawa has revealed to Gazette Business that the first uranium mine in Botswana will be opened in 2016 around the Serule area which proves to be profitable. First production at the mine is anticipated for quarter two (Q2) of 2016 with an annual output of 3 million pounds of uranium [1,154 t U] with the mining to last over 20 years. (Botswana Gazette Feb. 13, 2014)
On Feb. 22, 2013, A-Cap Resources Ltd announced "favourable economics" from the scoping study on the Letlhakane uranium project. However, the expected operating cost (US$ 48.41 per lb U3O8 for the first ten years, and US$ 58.17 over the whole 20-year lifetime) alone will be higher than current market prices. The company expects the uranium price to rise significantly in view of an anticipated supply shortage.
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was completed and submitted to the Botswana Government for review and the final ESIA will be submitted in Q2 2011. (A-Cap)
On July 20, 2009, A-Cap Resources Ltd announced the commencement of a bankable feasibility study for the Letlhakane uranium project.
EIA Progress:
"The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Letlhakane Uranium Project commenced in late January 2009. The EIA studies are designed to run for twelve months to collect important environmental data from the three climatic seasons in Botswana. To date the specialist studies for AquaticWildlife and Radiation Background have commenced data collection.
Public participation and information meetings have been held at the local villages of Gojwane and Serule. A further meeting for local government officials has been held at the Tonota District Land Board. These compulsory meetings are a crucial stepping stone in the EIA process where local communities have the right to learn about the planned development. No objections from the local communities were registered during the process."
(A-Cap Resources Ltd March 16, 2009)
On Oct. 17, 2008, A-Cap Resources Ltd released the result of a scoping study conducted by SRK Consulting. The preferred project option comprises the mining of 45 million tonnes of ore (at a grade of 180 ppm U3O8 [0.0153% U]) containing 18 million lbs U3O8 [6,923 t U]. The target annual production rate at an assumed leaching recovery of 80% is 2.2 million lbs U3O8 [846 t U].
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Burkina Faso:
Pancontinental Gold Corporation ,
Crossland Strategic Metals Ltd ,
Crosscontinental Uranium Limited ,
Southern Cross Exploration NL ,
Longreach Oil Ltd
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Burundi:
International Gold Exploration IGE AB
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Cameroon:
Mega Uranium Cameroon plc,
Uranex SA ,
Resource Generation Ltd ,
African Aura Resources Ltd. ,
Ridgeway Energy Ltd ,
Caminex,
East Mining Corporation (EMCO) S.A.,
Fer Du Cameroun,
Xplor-Tech
, Juin 2011 (2.3M PDF - in French)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Central African Republic:
Uramin Inc.,
Uranio AG ,
Xenon S.A. ,
Les Mines De Centrafrique (CAR)
Rebels take control of mining town Bakouma in Central African Republic:
The Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic (FPRC), an armed group from the former Séléka, has taken control of Bakouma, a mining town in south-central CAR.
The group, made up mostly of Muslims, summons the local authorities and the soldiers of the Minusca, the UN mission, to leave the city, according to the BBC Africa correspondent in Bangui.
According to a member of the city, there were dead people, houses and granaries burned, as well as massive displacements of people in the bush and in nearby towns, during the attack on Sunday [Jan. 6].
Abdoulaye Hissène, the leader of the FPRC, says that the rebel group intends to extend its control to the entire Bangassou prefecture, which includes the city of Bakouma.
(Reuters Jan. 7, 2019)
Government troops supported by UN peacekeepers have recaptured a uranium mining town in southeast Central African Republic, more than two weeks after it was seized by rebels, an official said Thursday [Jan. 17]. "The Central African army and MINUSCA have been in Bakouma since yesterday morning," Pierrette Benguéré, prefect for the Mboumou region, told AFP. The armed group which had taken over the town, the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central Africa (FPRC), has left, she said. The FPRC is one of the biggest militia groups that emerged from a mainly Muslim rebel movement called the Seleka. (SowetanLIVE Jan. 17, 2019)
Judicial investigation opened on irregularities in the Central African Republic at the occasion of Areva's acquisition of Uramin: The national financial prosecutor of France opened a judicial investigation versus a person unknown on any commissions paid by the French nuclear group Areva to the Central African Republic in 2007 when it bought the Canadian mining company Uramin, it has become known on Wednesday from a judicial source. This procedure was initiated on 27 March for "corruption of foreign public officials and private persons, embezzlement, breach of trust, forgery, money laundering, complicity and concealment," the source said, confirming a report in Canard enchaîné. (Reuters May 6, 2015)
Gunmen attack Areva's Bakouma uranium mine project site, seize hostages: Gunmen have attacked a uranium plant operated by French nuclear power giant Areva at Bakouma in the southeast of the Central African Republic, army and French diplomatic sources said Monday. "A violent clash yesterday (Sunday) afternoon pitted" Central African troops against "an unidentified group of armed men attempting to launch an assault on the site of mining company Areva," a military statement said. "The enemy did some material damage and pulled back while taking a sizeable quantity mainly of food with them," Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Ladawa said in the statement, which was read on national radio. "For the moment, it's difficult to establish a casualty toll from the fighting. However, we sustained no losses either among personnel or the population at Bakouma," he said. (AFP June 25, 2012)
Areva temporarily suspends Bakouma uranium mine project - in wake of Fukushima disaster: The French Areva group officially suspended the uranium mining project in Central Africa for one to two years due to the repercussions of the Fukushima disaster. The project is not cancelled; Areva waits for the uranium market price to rise again, the current price being US$ 52 per lb U3O8, while it had been above US$ 68 per lb U3O8 before the Fukushima disaster. A peculiarity of the Bakouma deposit is the great difficulty to extract the uranium. (Marchés tropicaux et méditerranéens Oct. 31, 2011; AFP Nov. 2, 2011)
Uranium activists arrested for one week: On Sep. 16, 2011, six environmental activists were arrested on their way from the Central African capital Bangui to Bakouma, where they wanted to hold a workshop on the environmental hazards of uranium mining. The activists, among them one from Belgium, were held in Bangui under military surveillance, without being informed about the reason for their detention. On Sep. 22, the six were released through mediation of the honorary consul nominee of Belgium in CAR. (De Morgen Sep. 23, 2011)
Start-up of the Bakouma pilot project is planned for 2010. At full capacity, the mine will have an output of 2,000 tons per year. (Areva: Discover Mining Activities, Dec. 2010)
Areva signs uranium mining deal with Central African Republic:
On Aug. 1, 2008, French nuclear group Areva signed a deal with the Central African Republic government to mine uranium at a previously disputed site, officials said.
The mine at Bakouma in the east of the Central African Republic (CAR) is due to start delivering uranium in 2010, with optimal production expected over the first three years, Areva chief executive Anne Lauvergeon added.
The deal ends friction between Areva and CAR, which handed mining rights to British-Canadian firm UraMin in 2006.
Areva bought out UraMin in July 2007, to the displeasure of the CAR government which said the "irregular" sale showed "disregard for the rights and interests" of the Central African people.
(AFP Aug. 1, 2008)
The Bakouma project in the Central African Republic is due to launch production in the fourth quarter of 2009, with an average production at 2600 tons a year. (Business Day March 30, 2007)
On Jan. 11, 2007, UraMin Inc. announced that GRD Minproc (Pty) Ltd., a subsidiary of GRD Ltd, has been appointed to undertake Consulting and Engineering Services for the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study at its Bakouma Uranium Project in the Central African Republic.
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Chad:
Uramin Inc.,
Brinkley Mining PLC ,
Signet Mining Services Ltd ,
Blue Marine Global Ltd ,
Chad Mining Services
(in French)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
Atlantis Sprl (Belgium),
Elemental Minerals Ltd ,
African Investment Group Congo
announced that its 75%-owned operating subsidiary, Kamoto Copper Company SA ("KCC"), will temporarily suspend the export and sale of cobalt at its Kamoto Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo until further notice. The presence of uranium was recently detected in the cobalt hydroxide produced at the Kamoto Project in levels that exceed the acceptable limit allowed for export of the product through main African ports to customers.On April 15, 2019, Katanga Mining Limited announced that its subsidiary Kamoto Copper Company has resumed the export and sale of a limited quantity of cobalt that complies with both international and local Democratic Republic of Congo transport regulations with respect to the levels of uranium.
, Ecumenical Network Central Africa (Ed.), Berlin, June 2011, 28 p. (933k PDF)
) demanded the public release of the contract on uranium exploration and exploitation concluded between the DR Congo and Areva on March 26, 2009, given the problems experienced with Areva's existing uranium mines in Niger.Areva is considering a deal giving it rights to explore for uranium in DR Congo's southern Katanga province. Chief Executive Officer Anne Lauvergeon will be accompanying French President Nicolas Sarkozy when he visits the central African country this week. (Bloomberg March 25, 2009)
signed a contract for uranium exploitation in Congo in a partnership with the government.
Areva unlikely to develop Shinkolobwe mine as instability persists in DR Congo:
Areva SA is unlikely to develop a uranium mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo while the country remains politically unstable, according to a company adviser.
"The political situation is such that it is still a bit tricky to make firm plans," Bertrand Barre, scientific adviser to Areva Chairwoman Anne Lauvergeon, said today in an interview in Johannesburg.
On a March 2009 trip to Congo, French President Nicolas Sarkozy sealed a joint-venture agreement to explore the mine, which produced the uranium used in atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II. The deposit, called Shinkolobwe, was shut in the 1960s and its revival is now dependent on curbing the rebel attacks that remain commonplace after years of unrest.
(Bloomberg Feb. 8, 2011)
Areva in talks with DR Congo over possible uranium exploration at Shinkolobwe: Democratic Republic of Congo and France's Areva are in talks over possible uranium exploration at a now-closed site that once produced material for the Hiroshima bomb. Congo's largest uranium mine, Shinkolobwe, provided the uranium that went into the atomic bomb deployed by the United States on Japan in 1945 during the Second World War. The site in the south of the vast and minerals-rich central African country was officially closed in 2004, but the United Nations has since cautioned that radioactive material from Congo is frequently smuggled out. The site is in poor condition, likely suffering from leaks that would be costly to contain, and a lack of fencing is has opened it up to smuggling -- raising fears among Western diplomats that some of the uranium is reaching Iran. (The Guardian Sep. 23, 2010)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire / Belgian Congo) is suspected of trying to reopen the Shinkolobwe uranium mine with help from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea). The two countries are closely cooperating in the military field and this cooperation could have been expanded to nuclear issues. During World War II, the mine had provided the uranium for the first US nuclear bombs. (Die Tageszeitung Aug 3, 1999)
On Feb. 7, 2000, North Korea denied media reports that it might be importing uranium from Congo to manufacture nuclear weapons. (AP Feb. 7, 2000)
, said on Tuesday (Dec. 13).
announced the discovery of huge amounts of uranium ore.
Mohsen Ali Mohamadeen, head of the Nuclear Materials Authority, says the uranium was discovered in high concentrations in five main areas, included Abu Zenima in Sinai, Abu Rashid on the Red Sea, Sila in Upper Egypt, and the Gtar area, which is located 70 kilometers away from Hurghada.
"Because uranium is considered an important strategic raw material, the plan is to use it mainly as fuel for energy production," Mohamadeen explains.
(Egypt Independent Jan. 18, 2013)
is being operated by the Nuclear Materials Authority.
Source: Extraction of Uranium from Egyptian Phoshates Pilot Scale, by Mohamadin Mohsen, Egypt, IAEA Technical Meeting on "Uranium Exploration and Mining Methods", 17 - 21 November 2008, Amman, Jordan
A small plane belonging to the Egyptian government's Nuclear Materials Authority crashed over northern Egypt on Jan. 15, 2008, killing two pilots, security sources and state media said. Security sources said the plane crashed in the town of Port Said, located at the northern entrance to the Suez Canal. The sources and state news agency MENA said the aircraft was on a reconnaissance flight. MENA said the aircraft was used to detect radioactivity and to search for metals, including uranium, in the Gulf of Suez and the Egyptian desert. (Reuters Jan. 15, 2008)
Equatorial Guinea's Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons (MMH) has signed the first mining contracts in the country's history, following the conclusion of the country's inaugural mining bidding round last year. The ministry signed five mining contracts [...]. Other contracts included three prospecting contracts with Blue Magnolia in Block B for bauxite and precious metals, Block K for gold and Block H for gold, uranium, iron-ore, bauxite, basic metals and rare earth minerals [...]. The newly appointed contractors are expected to start exploration activities in the Rio Muni area [...]. (Mining Weekly May 18, 2020)
.
It is expected that the processing plant will require an investment of 500 million birr [US$ 28 million].
Russia assisting Ethiopia with uranium exploration:
The Ethiopian Geological Survey , in collaboration with the Russian Geological Survey, is assessing the uranium deposit discovered six years ago in Bale zone, in the Oromia Regional State. The amount of deposit of uranium ore is not yet determined. However, the samples tested at the geochemical laboratory of the Ministry of Mines have shown positive results. The testing results were confirmed by another geochemical laboratory in Canada.
Recently, the Russian Geological Survey, Zaru Bezggeologia, started assisting the uranium exploration projects being undertaken in Bale and Borena. Financed by the Russian government, Zaru Bezggeologia, is providing technical assistance to the geological survey. The project was launched at the end of last January.
(Ethiopian Reporter Apr. 16, 2011)
Russia is currently cooperating with the Ethiopian Geological Survey in the study of fields and the assessment of potential uranium reserves in Ethiopia. (Addis Fortune Mar. 22, 2011)
In Gabon, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by Areva,
Lucara Diamond Corp. ,
Cameco Corp.,
Renova
(NSG) countries also because of the reluctance of Australia, Canada and Kazakhstan to supply uranium to non-NPT signatories like India.
(The Asian Age Feb. 5, 2008)
(GAEC), Dr B.J.B. Nyarko, has said that the country stands the chance of striking uranium deposits in commercial quantities since there is an association between gold and uranium.
He explained that a study of gold tailings at the Nuclear Research Reactor at Kwabenya revealed traces of uranium in pits in gold-mining areas in the country.
Dr Nyarko said the research, carried out by GAEC, was not on a large scale and that a major prospecting and exploration was needed to establish the link.
(MJFM Apr. 22, 2008)
In Guinea, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
Forte Energy NL,
Toro Energy Ltd.,
Contico,
Burey Gold Ltd
On Jan. 31, 2011, Forte Energy NL announced the commencement of pre-feasibility activities for its Firawa uranium project. The company has appointed contractors for the metallurgical testing and process design and for environmental and anthropological surveys.
In Libya, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by Areva
Most of the roughly 2.5 tons of natural uranium ore concentrate (UOC) recently declared missing from a site in Libya have been found at that site, the U.N. nuclear watchdog told member states on Friday (Mar. 24) in a statement seen by Reuters.
(Reuters Mar. 24, 2023)
Guardsmen of Sabha yellow cake uranium warehouse stage blockade demanding unpaid salaries:
One of Sebha's most important brigades has shut the town's petrol storage tanks and blocked a key road in a dispute over unpaid salaries.
Up to 40 members of the 10th Brigade (which guards the Sebha uranium storage facility) closed the fuel storage facility on Monday (Nov. 11) demanding overdue salary payments dating back to 2011.
The Sebha storage facility holds at least 2,263 tonnes of uranium ore concentrate (UOC) – also known as yellowcake – imported from various sources between 1978 and 2002, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). A conversion facility had been planned at Sebha but this was never built. Although Qaddafi renounced his chemical and nuclear weapons programme in 2003, ten years later the stockpiles remain.
A report by UK newspaper The Times last month said that Bharuddin Midhoun Arifi, the commander of an unnamed group in charge of guarding the stockpiles, said that his men were frightened of the uranium. "My men don't like guarding the site as they believe it will make their skin fall off, so we guard it from a nearby checkpoint," he reportedly said, adding: "Maybe someone could steal one or two drums if they wanted, but not more."
(Libya Herald Nov. 13, 2013 - emphasis added)
Future of Libya's yellowcake uranium stock still unclear: Libya still has not decided what to do with uranium ore concentrate amassed under its late dictator, Agence France-Presse reported on Monday (Sep. 23). The country was reportedly holding 6,400 barrels of the "yellowcake" uranium at a warehouse in Sabha. Foreign Minister Muhammad Abdul Aziz said his country "is trying to determine if the concentrated uranium can be used for peaceful nuclear energy purposes or sold to countries which use the product for peaceful purposes." An independent think tank in Tripoli, though, has reportedly advised the government to use the material in its nascent nuclear-power program, as well as for "industrial and agricultural development." (National Journal Sep. 23, 2013)
Yellow Cake uranium found stored near Sabha:
The U.N. atomic agency said on Thursday (Sep. 22) that Libya's previous government had stored raw uranium near Sabha, after CNN reported that anti-Gaddafi forces had found a military site containing what appeared to be radioactive material.
The CNN crew "saw two large warehouses there, one containing thousands of blue barrels, some marked with tape saying ''radioactive,'' and several plastic bags of yellow powder sealed with the same tape," it said on its website.
In Vienna, IAEA spokeswoman Gill Tudor said: "We can confirm that there is yellow cake stored in drums at a site near Sabha ... which Libya previously declared to the IAEA."
Referring to measures to make sure material is not diverted to non-peaceful purposes, she added: "The IAEA has tentatively scheduled safeguards activities at this location once the situation in the country stabilizes."
(Reuters Sep. 22, 2011)
In Madagascar, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
Cline Mining Corp.,
Uranium Corporation of Madagascar SARL (URAMAD),
Tranomaro Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (UK),
MDC (Madagascar),
LP Hill Plc ,
Pencari Mining Corporation ,
Minvest Madagascar SA,
Haddington Resources Ltd ,
Red Island Resources,
Uranium Star Corp. ,
Malagasy Minerals Ltd ,
Varun Energy Corporation
said. President Andry Rajoelina ousted his predecessor, Marc Ravalomanana, with the support of the military in March, 2009.
(Bloomberg Oct. 21, 2010)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Mali:
Cascade Resources Ltd. ,
Northern Canadian Uranium Inc. ,
Rockgate Capital Corp.,
Oklo Resources Ltd
GoviEx Uranium Inc. acquires Faléa mine project: On June 13, 2016, GoviEx Uranium Inc. and Denison Mines Corp. announced the completion of the transaction to combine their respective African uranium interests, previously announced on March 30, 2016.
Under the terms of the Transaction, GoviEx has acquired Denison's wholly owned subsidiary, Rockgate Capital Corp., which holds all of Denison's Africa-based uranium interests, in exchange for 56,050,450 shares of GoviEx and 22,420,180 common share purchase warrants of GoviEx.
Denison becomes majority owner of Faléa mine project:
On Nov. 18, 2013, Denison Mines Corp. announced that, as of 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) today, approximately 100,541,657 common shares of Rockgate Capital Corp. have been validly deposited to Denison's offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Rockgate. Denison has taken up and accepted for payment all of such shares, representing approximately 86% of the outstanding shares.
On Jan. 17, 2014, Denison announced that it now has acquired all shares of Rockgate.
Pre-Feasibility study on Faléa mine project started:
On Nov. 15, 2012, Rockgate Capital Corp. announced the commencement of a Pre-Feasibility study on its Faléa U-Ag-Cu project in south-west Mali. Rockgate has engaged the services of the DRA Group of Johannesburg, South Africa to complete the study.
Environmental and social baseline studies commissioned on Faléa mine project: On April 26, 2010, Rockgate Capital Corp. announced that it has commissioned environmental and social baseline studies on the Faléa Project, Mali.
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Mauritania:
Forte Energy NL,
Alba Mineral Resources PLC ,
Mauritania Ventures Ltd ,
Shield Mining Ltd ,
Aura Energy Ltd ,
Alecto Minerals Plc ,
Mauritania Resources Ltd,
Lusitania Uranium Mauritania ,
Agrineq SA,
Earthaston Ressources,
Orecorp Mauritania Sarl
> View deposit info
Update for Front End Engineering Design study announced for Tiris uranium mine project:
On Sep. 11, 2024, Aura Energy Ltd announced the results of an update of the Front End Engineering Design study for the Tiris uranium mine project, taking into account the recently expanded mineral resource and extending the mine life from 17 to 25 years.
The study is based on a uranium price of US$ 80 per lb U3O8.
> Calculate Mine Feasibility
Tiris uranium mine project obtains final permit for construction and operation: On July 15, 2024, Aura Energy Ltd announced that it has received from the Mauritanian Government the last outstanding material permit to allow the construction and operation of the Tiris Uranium Project. The authorisation to develop, mine and produce Uranium Oxide Concentrate was issued by the National Authority for Radiation Protection, Safety and Nuclear Security (L'Autorité Nationale de Radioprotection de Sûreté et de Sécurité Nucléaire) on the 12 July 2024.
Front End Engineering Design study announced for Tiris uranium mine project: On Feb. 28, 2024, Aura Energy Ltd announced the results of a Front End Engineering Design ("FEED") study, which "confirms excellent economics" for the Tiris uranium mine project. The FEED study is based on a uranium price of US$ 80 per lb U3O8.
"Enhanced" feasibility study announced for Tiris uranium mine project: On Mar. 29, 2023, Aura Energy announced an "enhanced" definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its Tiris uranium mine project. The study is based on a uranium price of US$ 65 per lb U3O8.
Mining and export license application documents submitted for Tiris uranium mine project: On Sep. 6, 2022, Aura Energy Limited announced that it has submitted draft Key Management Plans ("KMPs") for Tiris to the National Authority for Radioprotection, Safety and Nuclear Security ("ARSN") in Mauritania. These plans form the core information assessed as part of the ARSN's authorisation for uranium production at Tiris and for the export of uranium oxide concentrate ("UOC") from Mauritania. KMPs also form the basis for management of radiation safety and safe transport of uranium from Tiris, following international guidelines.
Updated feasibility study with increased capital cost announced for Tiris uranium mine project: On Aug. 18, 2021, Aura Energy announced an updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) with an increase in the capital cost for its Tiris uranium mine project.
Positive feasibility study announced for Tiris uranium mine project, assuming uranium sales price at least twice current prices:
On July 29, 2019, Aura Energy Ltd announced the results of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) conducted for its Tiris uranium mine project.
> Download: Aura Energy release July 29, 2019 (including executive summary of DFS) (5.7MB PDF)
Offtake agreement signed for not-yet-existing Tiris uranium mine:
On Jan. 29, 2019, Aura Energy Ltd announced that it has signed a binding off-take agreement with Curzon Uranium Trading Limited ("Curzon") for the sale of its uranium production from the Tiris Uranium Project.
The agreement with Curzon covers the sale of 800,000 pounds of uranium production [308 t U] at fixed prices with a further 1.8 million pounds of uranium [692 t U] production available to Curzon as option volumes at fixed and market pricing. The agreement is over a seven-year period starting from the commencement of production and extendable thereafter by mutual consent.
The average price of the agreement is above US$44 per pound U3O8 compared with the current spot price of around US$29 per pound U3O8 and comfortably above Tiris' total operating cost.
Tiris uranium mine project obtains exploitation licence: On Dec. 18, 2018, Aura Energy Ltd announced the grant of the Tiris Uranium Project Exploitation Licence. Aura expects to receive the executed Presidential Decree approving the Exploitation Licence before the end of the year.
By-product recovery of vanadium eyed for Tiris uranium mine project:
On Oct. 17, 2018, Aura Energy Limited announced that "technical investigations during the Tiris Definitive Feasibility Study have indicated the potential for the recovery of vanadium from the Tiris Uranium Project process streams. [...]
The vanadium price has risen approximately 500% over the past 3 years and was recently quoted at US$28.10 per lb [...]
Vanadium occurs in the Tiris ore at a grade of 330 ppm V2O5, a similar concentration to that of U3O8. Approximately half of this vanadium occurs within the uranium host mineral carnotite. [...]"
Tiris uranium mine project obtains environmental government approval: On Oct. 5, 2017, Aura Energy Limited announced that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Tiris Uranium Project in Mauritania has been approved by the Mauritanian Government.
Economics of Tiris uranium mine project improved by reduction of operating costs: On Aug. 30, 2017, Aura Energy Limited announced that following ongoing metallurgical optimisation and modelling, particularly around the leach reagent recycle and consumption, the operating cost for the Tiris Uranium Project has been reduced by an estimated 35%. The estimated Tiris operating cost now stands at US$19.40/lb U3O8.
Mining lease application submitted for Tiris uranium mine project: On May 24, 2017, Aura Energy Limited announced that it has submitted the mining lease application for its Tiris project. "As part of the application Aura Energy completed an exhaustive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) covering all aspect of the project including community consultation in the regions close to the project location."
Feasibility Study initiated for Tiris uranium mine project: On Dec. 7, 2016, Aura Energy Ltd announced the recommencement of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the shallow open-pit Tiris uranium mine project. The target for completion of the study is end 2017.
Energy China to become partner in development of Tiris uranium project:
On Feb. 4, 2016, Aura Energy Ltd announced that it has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of the Tiris Project in Mauritania with China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co., Ltd. (GPEC), a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC) .
Positive scoping study announced for Reguibat uranium mine project, assuming uranium sales price way above current prices: On July 16, 2014, Aura Energy Ltd announced: "This preliminary Scoping Study of Reguibat has confirmed an extremely robust Project with very shallow mineralisation upgraded via simple beneficiation to high-grade leach feed. This results in a leach plant processing a low annual tonnage and achieved with low upfront capital and low operating costs." The study assumes a uranium price of US$ 65 per lb U3O8 - way above the current spot and term prices.
Test work indicates potential to improve economics of Reguibat mine project:
On Sep. 26, 2013, Aura Energy Ltd announced that sorting tests showed that the grade of the mill feed can be increased by a factor of five (from 0.028 to 0.15% U), while retaining 89% of the uranium.
On Dec. 2, 2013, Aura Energy Ltd announced that further testing has shown that the grade of the mill feed can be increased by a factor of 7 (to 0.21% U), while retaining 86% of the uranium.
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in
Morocco:
Toro Energy Ltd ,
Metalex Ventures Ltd.
(OCP) to develop their cooperation and research initiatives regarding extraction of uranium contained in phosphoric acid produced from Moroccan phosphate ore. Uranium resources in Moroccan phosphate deposits are estimated at around 6 million tonnes. AREVA and the OCP plan to launch a joint study into the feasibility of an industrial site producing uranium from phosphoric acid.
(Areva Oct. 23, 2007)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Mozambique:
Omegacorp Ltd.,
Mantra Resources Ltd.,
Uramin Inc.,
Kenmare Resources Plc. ,
Helio Resource Corp. ,
Jacana Resources Ltd ,
Mavuzi Resources Ltd ,
Teal Exploration & Mining Inc ,
Red Rock Resources PLC ,
North River Resources plc ,
MRG Metals Ltd
In Nigeria, uranium exploration is performed by:
Kulfana Mining Company Ltd,
Ecophoenix Limited ,
Lunar K Limited,
Western Goldfields Limited ,
Garbson Resources Ltd,
Obye Mineralogy,
Bebeyi Merchants Limited ,
Baxville Minerals Nig Ltd,
Uramin Nigeria Ltd,
Adamawa Mining Company Limited
signed a memorandum of understanding on nuclear cooperation with the Nigeria nuclear regulator. Among others, the memorandum foresees a cooperation in the field of uranium prospection and the development of uranium desposits.
(RIA Novosti March 18, 2009)
. The discoveries were made by the Atomic Energy Division of the British Geological Survey .
(Xinhua, Oct. 18, 2005)
Nigeria's first uranium mining license issued for Mika project: The Federal Ministry of Environment has granted a license to Clarisver Solution to commence exploration and mining of Uranium in Mika village of Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State. (New Telegraph Aug. 11, 2023)
The following companies are performing uranium prospection and/or exploration in Senegal:
Uramin Inc., Kansala Resources S.A., Mandinga Resources SARL, Haranga Resources Ltd
In Sierra Leone, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
African Minerals Limited
In Somalia, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by Kilimanjaro Capital Ltd
In Sudan, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
Brinkley Mining Plc ,
New Kush Exploration and Mining
In Togo, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
AfNat Resources Limited (?),
Agriminco Corp. ,
Power Metal Resources PLC
In Uganda, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by
IBI Corporation ,
Canmin Resources (Uganda) Ltd ,
Resgreen Group International Inc. ,
Magnus International Resources, Inc. ,
Signature Metals Ltd
*) However, in an email communication of July 12, 2011, then-Commissioner for Geological Survey and Mines Joshua T. Tuhumwire writes that the President "did not ban exploration of uranium in Uganda but rather said that exploration and mining of uranium in Uganda should be carefully managed". The Statutory Instrument that would have been required for such a ban to become effective has never been issued, to his knowledge. Tuhumwire clarifies that "such purported ban does not exist".
Moroccan state-owned company continues to market uranium potential of occupied Western Sahara:
The Moroccan state-owned oil company ONHYM continues to promote the uranium potential of occupied Western Sahara. Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) believes that the Romanian geophysical research company Prospectiuni is involved in the ground work.
In a report from November 2011, ONHYM presents further details about the Aghracha prospect -- located in the Awserd region, at 180 km south-east of the city of Dakhla. Geological explorations in the area started in 2008. Further airborne aeromagnetic studies in 2010 highlighted a number of promising uranium deposits.
According to the UN, exploration of natural resources in Western Sahara cannot take place without prior consultation of the Saharawi people.
(WSRW Mar. 21, 2012)
In Zimbabwe, uranium prospection and exploration is being performed by Afri-Sino Mining Resources Ltd., Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), ZimDiv Holdings Ltd
Zimbabwe hasn't signed an agreement allowing uranium exports to Iran, Deputy Mining Minister Gift Chimanikire said, after a media report the country entered into a deal to export the material used to build nuclear weapons. "We have no capacity to handle uranium as a country, and besides we don't even know the quantity of uranium" deposits viable for mining, Chimanikire, a member of the country's opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, said in a phone interview today. (Business Week Aug. 10, 2013)
said there are many "secretive, opaque deals taking place."
(The Zimbabwe Mail May 16, 2013)
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