- Mohamed Ben Omar, the Minister of Communication in Niger expressed his country’s readiness to raise its annual uranium production to at least 10,500 tonnes a year
The West African country is currently producing 3,500 tones a year, but according to Mr Omar who is also the government mouthpiece, his government has already awarded prospecting and exploitation permits that will enable them to produce the target tonnes of 10,500 a year within few years.
Mr Omar has been on tour in the French capital Paris.
He told a press conference that the French uranium mining company, Areva, will continue to be Niger's strategic partner in the exploitation of uranium.
He said as a sovereign country, Niger is free to diversify its economic relations. He however said the French company will remain their strategic part in this venture.
Communication Minister dispelled the notion from some quarters that Niger is likely going to comply with the rising uranium price of CFA 120,000 per kg and dump the French company. He said Niger will remain with Areva which has agreed to deal with the government during the difficult days.
There have been complaints advanced by right groups that the exploration of uranium would have severe health and environmental consequence on people in the desert country’s northern region. Mr Omar said Niger government was equally concerned which was why it has endorsed the plans by Areva to invest CFA 540 billions to protect the health of residents in the area.
He said Areva has assured them that they are poised to protect the environment as well as the health of people.
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