Niger to produce 10,500 tonnes of uranium a year

WEST REGION NEWS (Africast)

Niger to produce 10,500 tonnes of uranium a year

NIAMEY, May 03 -- Niger communication minister and government spokesman Mohamed Ben Omar has said his country plans to raise its annual uranium production to 10,500 tonnes a year in the next few years.
"We have awarded prospecting and exploitation permits, which enable us to significantly increase our production. The figure will rise from the current 3,500 tonnes to 10,500 tonnes a year in the next few years," he said while on a visit to Paris late Wednesday.
Speaking at a news conference, Omar said French group Areva will remain Niger's strategic partner in uranium exploitation.
"Niger is a sovereign country, which may diversify its economic relations. This is the reason why we have awarded permits to various companies. But Areva remains for us the reference partner," he added.
"We are not going to use the rise of the price of uranium to 120,000 francs CFA a kilogramme as an excuse to break up with Areva, which was buying our production at an acceptable price even in difficult times," the minister added.
Reacting to statements by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the health and environmental consequences of uranium exploitation in northern Niger, he said Areva plans to invest about 540 billion francs CFA in the well-being of people living in the affected area.
"We had about four hours' discussion with Areva before the opening of its Immouraren site. Areva officials assured us that everything will be done to protect the environment and people's health through the investment of several billion of francs CFA," Omar said. PANA