Niger’s Council of Ministers approved a mining permit for the Moradi uranium mine, owned by COMIREX. This initiative, part of upgrading existing mining permits, aims to yield 300 tons of uranium over five years, creating 94 local jobs and generating substantial royalties. The project emphasizes local ownership and sustainable management of resources.
The Council of Ministers of Niger has granted a mining permit to the state-owned Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX SA) for the Moradi uranium mine. This draft decree was ratified during a meeting convened on February 22, 2023, in the presence of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the current head of state following a coup in the same year. The permit is part of broader efforts to transform existing semi-mechanised mining concessions into small-scale mining permits, including another for a small-scale copper mine awarded to Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr.
The Moradi mine is located in the rural commune of Dannet within the Agadez Region. According to an environmental impact study conducted in 2023 by COMIREX, this area is part of a previously established research permit that was public since 2015. The study outlines plans for open-pit mining of a “very shallow” uranium deposit, estimated to contain around 2000 tons of uranium at a 300 ppm cut-off, to be processed at SOMAÏR facilities under a prospective agreement with Orano.
The Council of Ministers communicated that the companies involved with these permits are Nigerien-owned entities with state participation of approximately 25% for COMINAIR and 40% for COMIREX. Under the terms of the mining agreement, the Moradi project is projected to yield an average of 300 tons of uranium over five years and generate 94 jobs for local youths. Additionally, a mining royalty exceeding XOF3.634 billion (approximately USD5.8 million) and a surface royalty of XOF114 million will be imposed throughout the project’s duration.
Both COMIREX and COMINAIR are also mandated to support continuous training for personnel from Niger’s mines ministry, as well as contribute to regional infrastructure and environmental protection. This reinforces the country’s commitment to exercising full sovereignty over its natural resources for the welfare of its citizens, as articulated by the Council of Ministers.
In summary, Niger’s government has approved a permit for the Moradi uranium mine, a development expected to enhance local employment and generate significant royalties. Through this initiative, the government aims to assert control over natural resources, while simultaneously investing in infrastructure and environmental stewardship. This strategic move reflects the nation’s commitment to sustainable mining practices.
Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
