GoviEx and Niger have agreed to suspend arbitration regarding the Madaouela uranium project to allow for negotiated discussions. This agreement came during the 2025 Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town. Both parties seek to reach a resolution, although the outcome remains uncertain. Meanwhile, GoviEx is advancing its Muntanga project in Zambia, anticipating production in 2028.
GoviEx Uranium Inc and the Republic of Niger have reached an agreement to temporarily halt ongoing arbitration concerning the Madaouela uranium project. This decision occurred during discussions at the 2025 Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town and is aimed at facilitating amicable negotiations. GoviEx confirmed that a letter of intent has been signed, establishing a structured roadmap for negotiations initiated with Niger’s Minister of Mines.
The agreement entails the suspension of arbitration proceedings governed by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) while both parties work towards a resolution. GoviEx expressed hope for constructive dialogue but remained cautious, noting that negotiations might not result in a final, binding agreement, in which case arbitration could resume.
Madaouela is heralded as one of the world’s largest uranium resources, boasting 100 million pounds of U3O8 in measured and indicated resources, along with an additional 20 million pounds in inferred resources. Although GoviEx had progressed the project to a feasibility study in late 2022, Niger retracted its mining rights in July 2023, prompting GoviEx to pursue ICSID proceedings, citing legal breaches by Niger.
Furthermore, following a coup d’état in Niger in 2023, the government also revoked the operating permit of French company Orano for the Imouraren mine. Orano has similarly instigated ICSID proceedings against Niger concerning this permit and its operational control of the SOMAÏR mine.
GoviEx remains focused on its Muntanga project in Zambia, aiming for production to commence in 2028, amidst efforts to resolve the Madaouela dispute.
In summary, GoviEx Uranium and the Republic of Niger have agreed to pause arbitration over the Madaouela uranium project to pursue negotiations following a letter of intent signed during a recent mining conference. While both parties are committed to dialogue, uncertainty remains regarding the outcome of these talks. GoviEx continues to advance its Muntanga project as arbitration looms if resolutions fail to materialize.
Original Source: world-nuclear-news.org
