Source: mining journal, www.miningjournal.com
Issue: 7th July 2006

The Government of Niger has altered its legal regime for minerals and hydrocarbons to allow the state to take a direct stake in operations, Reuters reports from Niamey. Details are sketchy, but the changes include the abolition of certain tax concessions and reductions in the duration of mining and exploration licences. Niger is an important uranium producer.

Société des Mines de l’Air (owned 63.4% by French nuclear-services group Areva SA and 36.6% by the Government of Niger) produces around 1,150 t/y of uranium in concentrate form.

Compagnie Minière d’Akouta (owned 34% by Areva, 31% by the government, 25% by Overseas Uranium Resources Development Co Ltd of Japan and 10% by Enusa Industrias Avanzadas SA of Spain) produces about 1,780 t/y. Niger also has a fledgling gold-mining industry.