IAEA Strengthens Commitment to Niger Through Support Initiatives

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited Niger to discuss support for nuclear technology in mining, water management, and cancer treatment during meetings with Prime Minister and other officials. Key agreements were made to strengthen water resource management and healthcare, emphasizing the IAEA’s ongoing role in Niger’s development amidst recent political changes.

During a recent two-day visit to Niger, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi held discussions with senior officials, including Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, to reinforce IAEA’s support for peaceful nuclear applications in areas like mining, water management, and cancer treatment.

Grossi’s meetings included dialogues with Minister of Foreign Affairs Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Minister of Mines Ousmane Abarchi, and Minister of Energy Haoua Amadou. The leaders addressed development priorities, focusing on sustainable energy, and Franjo Grossi toured uranium mine sites, namely Compagnie Minière d’Akouta (Cominak) and Société des Mines de l’Aïr (Somaïr).

“Niger is one of the biggest producers in the world of uranium,” Grossi remarked during his visit to the Somaïr mine. He emphasized the importance of maintaining IAEA’s presence amid significant political changes in Niger. He asserted the agency’s commitment to ensuring safety and security while assisting the country economically.

Grossi expressed satisfaction with his observations during the visit, highlighting professional management and a desire for collaboration with the IAEA. He noted that his visit marks a positive beginning for ongoing work at uranium mining sites in Niger.

Despite having produced uranium since the 1970s and contributing about 5% to global output, Niger’s mining operations face challenges due to the military coup in July 2023 that led to the withdrawal of permits for certain mines. Moreover, Orano’s subsidiaries face operational changes following this coup, leading to arbitration proceedings against Niger.

In the domain of water management, Grossi signed an agreement with Minister of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Environment Maizama Abdoulaye. This initiative aims to enhance water resources management using isotope hydrology, addressing Niger’s severe water scarcity. The IAEA will assist in establishing a national water quality laboratory and modernizing existing facilities with the support of World Bank funding.

Additionally, Grossi’s visit reiterated IAEA’s commitment through its Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to expand cancer care access. He visited the National Cancer Care Centre in Niamey, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare in Niger.

The IAEA’s support for Niger, as articulated by Director General Rafael Grossi, underscores the agency’s commitment to promoting peaceful nuclear technology in various sectors, including mining, water management, and cancer care. The collaborative agreements aim to enhance sustainability, safety, and efficiency in these critical areas, reflecting IAEA’s proactive involvement in Niger’s socio-economic development amidst political changes.

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