GoviEx and Niger Establish Negotiation Roadmap for Madouela Uranium Project

GoviEx Uranium Inc and Niger have agreed to suspend arbitration regarding the Madouela uranium project to pursue negotiations. A roadmap for constructive dialogue was established during the 2025 Mining Indaba conference. GoviEx asserts that resolution is uncertain, and arbitration could resume if discussions falter. The company also advances its Muntanga project in Zambia, targeting production by 2028.

GoviEx Uranium Inc and the Republic of Niger have reached an agreement to temporarily pause current arbitration proceedings while they negotiate over the disputed Madouela uranium project. This decision follows the signing of a letter of intent between GoviEx, its subsidiary GoviEx Niger Holdings Ltd, and Niger’s Minister of Mines during the 2025 Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

The agreement establishes a structured roadmap aimed at facilitating constructive discussions toward a mutually acceptable resolution. As part of these negotiations, GoviEx has indicated that the ongoing arbitration under the ICSID Convention will be suspended until either a resolution is reached or it becomes clear that a settlement is not achievable.

The parties acknowledge the Republic of Niger’s commitment to a dialogue while also recognizing that the success of these negotiations cannot be guaranteed. If a satisfactory resolution is not found, the arbitration proceedings may restart. GoviEx’s Madaouela project is notable for having 100 million pounds of U3O8 in measured and indicated resources, highlighting its significance in the global uranium market.

Having advanced the Madaouela project from exploration to feasibility study publication in late 2022, GoviEx aimed to develop the site further, but faced a setback when the Nigerien government rescinded its mining rights in July of the previous year. GoviEx initiated ICSID proceedings in January, asserting that Niger had violated its contractual obligations from a 2007 agreement.

The government of Niger saw changes following a coup d’état in 2023, which led to the withdrawal of operational permits from other companies, including French firm Orano. Orano has since instigated ICSID proceedings after losing operational control over its uranium mines. Meanwhile, GoviEx is now focusing on its Muntanga project in Zambia, with aspirations for production by 2028.

In summary, GoviEx Uranium Inc and the Republic of Niger have agreed to suspend arbitration proceedings while they negotiate the future of the Madouela uranium project. The structured roadmap reflects the parties’ intent to reach a peaceful resolution. However, if negotiations fail, arbitration may resume. GoviEx is also advancing its Muntanga project in Zambia as it navigates these challenges in Niger.

Original Source: world-nuclear-news.org