Niger’s Council of Ministers has granted COMIREX SA a permit for the Moradi uranium mine, transitioning it to small-scale mining status. The decision aims to enhance local employment, generate revenue, and strengthen national control over resources, while ensuring environmental compliance and community contributions.
On February 22, 2023, Niger’s Council of Ministers authorized Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX SA) to operate the Moradi uranium mine through a newly adopted decree. This decision was made during a meeting that included General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the country’s leader following a 2023 coup. The decree transitions previously held semi-mechanized mining permits to small-scale mining permits, including one for a small-scale copper mine granted to Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr.
The Moradi mine area is located in the rural commune of Dannet in the Agadez Region. A 2023 environmental impact study from COMIREX revealed that the Moradi site was part of an earlier AFASTO Exploitation and Research Permit, publicly accessible since 2015. The study indicated potential open-pit mining of a shallow deposit estimated to contain around 2,000 tons of uranium at a 300 ppm cutoff concentration.
COMIREX plans to transport the ore from Moradi to SOMAÏR’s facilities for processing, under an intended agreement with Orano. Notably, Orano recently announced it withdrew operational control of the mine operator at Arlit, although it holds significant ownership in SOMAÏR.
The permits granted to COMIREX and other companies are designed to ensure national control over mining operations. The Niger state retains a stake in these enterprises, with shared capital participation of 25% for Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr and 40% for COMIREX. The agreement anticipates average production of 300 tons of uranium over five years, alongside the creation of 94 jobs for local residents.
Both COMIREX and Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr must also allocate funds for ongoing training of Niger’s mining ministry staff and for regional infrastructure. Furthermore, they are required to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable management principles. The Council emphasized that these measures reflect their commitment to ensuring Niger’s sovereignty over its natural resources for the benefit of its citizens.
Niger has officially permitted COMIREX SA to manage the Moradi uranium mine, reaffirming the government’s intention to exercise sovereignty over its mineral resources. This strategic initiative aims to bolster the economy by creating jobs and generating significant revenue through uranium production while emphasizing environmental sustainability and national ownership.
Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
