The Niger government has granted a mining permit for the Moradi uranium mine to COMIREX SA. The approval aims to boost local employment, enhance revenue through royalties, and emphasize Niger’s sovereignty over natural resources. The company plans to produce 300 tons of uranium within five years and is committed to staff training and environmental protections.
Niger’s Council of Ministers approved a decree allowing the Niger-owned Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX SA) to operate the Moradi uranium mine. This decision, made during a meeting on February 22, 2023, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani present, also included a permit for a small-scale copper mine managed by Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr.
The Moradi mine is located in the rural commune of Dannet within the Agadez Region. A provisional environmental impact assessment by COMIREX indicated that the deposit, which is part of the previously issued AFASTO Permit, is shallow and contains approximately 2,000 tons of uranium at a concentration of 300 ppm. COMIREX plans to transport the ore to SOMAÏR for processing, supported by a contract with Orano.
According to a communique from the Council of Ministers, the permits are issued to companies under Nigerien law, highlighting that the state owns a 40% stake in COMIREX and a 25% stake in COMINAIR. The overall project aims to extract an estimated 300 tons of uranium over five years, creating 94 jobs for local youth while generating substantial royalties.
Furthermore, both COMIREX and COMINAIR are mandated to invest in the ongoing training of personnel within Niger’s Mines Ministry and to contribute to local infrastructure development. The council emphasized that these decrees reflect a commitment to fully exercising national sovereignty over natural resources for the benefit of the citizens of Niger.
The approval of the Moradi uranium mine permit marks a significant step in Niger’s mining sector, demonstrating the government’s commitment to local ownership and economic benefit. By ensuring local companies lead mining efforts, the authorities aim to generate employment and uphold environmental standards, all while reinforcing Niger’s autonomy over its resources.
Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
