Niger Grants Permit for Moradi Uranium Mine

Niger’s Council of Ministers has authorized a permit for the Moradi uranium mine, transitioning from semi-mechanized to small-scale mining. This initiative, part of a broader strategy for local empowerment, aims to yield substantial economic benefits and promote environmental sustainability. The project is expected to create jobs and generate significant royalties, reinforcing Niger’s commitment to managing its natural resources intelligently.

Niger has granted a permit for the Moradi uranium mine to Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX SA), as per a draft decree adopted by the government. This decree, finalized at a Council of Ministers meeting on February 22, represents a shift from semi-mechanized to small-scale mining operations in Niger, alongside a similar permit awarded to Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr for copper mining.

The Moradi mine is located in the rural commune of Dannet within the Arlit department of the Agadez Region. In 2023, COMIREX conducted a provisional environmental impact study indicating the site’s previous classification under AFASTO’s Exploitation and Research Permit, which has been public since 2015. The deposit is characterized as very shallow, containing around 2000 tU at a cut-off of 300 ppm.

COMIREX plans to transport the extracted ore for processing at SOMAÏR’s facilities, based on a proposed agreement with Orano. Notably, Orano recently announced its lack of operational control over SOMAÏR, where it holds a 63.4% stake, while Niger’s state mining assets company SOPAMIN owns 36.6%.

Niger’s Council of Ministers stated that the companies awarded these permits are predominantly owned by Nigerien nationals, with state participation estimated at about 25% for COMINAIR and 40% for COMIREX. The project is anticipated to yield an annual average of 300 tU over five years, creating 94 jobs, particularly benefiting young Nigeriens.

The mining agreement outlines a substantial royalty structure, with expected revenues exceeding XOF3.634 billion (approximately USD 5.8 million) from uranium sales and an additional surface royalty of XOF114 million throughout the project’s lifespan. Both companies are also mandated to invest in the training of Mines Ministry staff and contribute to local infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

The Ministerial Council emphasized that these measures are part of Niger’s commitment to exercising sovereignty over its natural resources, ultimately serving the interests of the nation’s populace. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing local governance of natural resources while fostering economic opportunities within the community.

The approval of the Moradi uranium mine permit illustrates Niger’s commitment to empowering local entities in the management of natural resources. By transitioning to small-scale mining, Niger aims not only to secure indigenous economic benefits but also to ensure environmental stewardship and capacity building within the mining sector. These initiatives confirm the nation’s strategy to maximize the advantages of its mineral wealth for the greater good of its population.

Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org