Niger’s government has granted COMIREX SA a permit for the Moradi uranium mine, part of a strategic push to manage national resources effectively. The project aims to yield approximately 300 tons of uranium over five years, creating 94 jobs and contributing substantial royalties to local revenue. COMIREX is also required to engage in training and infrastructure development to support local capacities and sustainable practices.
Niger’s Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree allowing the state-owned Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX SA) to mine uranium at the Moradi site. This decision was made during a meeting on February 22, 2023, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani present, following the recent coup d’état earlier that year. The decree transitions existing semi-mechanized mining permits into small-scale mining permits, including one for copper assigned to Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr.
Moradi is located in the rural commune of Dannet, within the Agadez Region, specifically in the department of Arlit. According to the provisional environmental impact assessment conducted by COMIREX in 2023, Moradi is part of the older AFASTO Exploitation and Research area, publicly accessible since 2015. The study indicates the presence of a shallow ore deposit at roughly 10 meters deep, estimated to contain 2000 tons of uranium at a grade of 300 ppm, which will be mined using open-pit techniques.
COMIREX planned to process extracted uranium at the facilities of SOMAÏR, with which it aims to reach a contract with Orano, previously Areva. Orano disclosed in December 2022 that it no longer holds operational control over SOMAÏR, which is primarily owned by the French firm (63.4%) and includes a 36.6% stake held by Niger’s state-run mining company, SOPAMIN. “The companies holding these permits are companies under Nigerien law owned by nationals and in which the State has a level of participation,” indicated the Council in a recent communique.
The mining agreement stipulates that the Moradi project will produce, on average, 300 tons of uranium over five years, generating 94 new jobs targeted at young Nigeriens. Additionally, the project is expected to contribute significant royalties to the government, including over XOF3.634 billion (approx. $5.8 million) from uranium sales and a surface royalty of XOF114 million throughout its lifetime. The currency in Niger is the CFA Franc (XOF).
Both COMIREX and COMINAÏR are mandated to invest in training local staff within Niger’s mining ministry and contribute to local infrastructure development. They are also tasked with ensuring environmental protection and adhering to sustainable management practices. “These two draft decrees thus reinforce the desire… to exercise our full sovereignty over our natural resources for the benefit of our populations,” the Council emphasized.
The recent approval of the Moradi uranium mine permit marks a significant step in Niger’s mining sector, allowing for increased production and job creation while emphasizing local participation and environmental compliance. The transition of mining permits reflects a strategic effort to enhance national sovereignty over natural resources and ensure that the benefits are felt by the local populace. These developments could bolster Niger’s economy and its commitment to sustainable mining practices.
Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
