Africa, Australia, And South America

Uranium's Next Frontier: Niger
9 February 2009

THE GLOBE AND MAIL (NIAMEY, NIGER)-Niger, the poorest country in the world by some measures, is potentially the next big frontier for uranium. Canadian mining companies, together owning 40 per cent of Niger's mining exploration permits, are exploring for uranium in the famed Arlit uranium belt in northern Niger despite rebel unrest, controversey over 'slave wages,' and safety fears. Cameco Corp. the world's largest uranium producer, is among the Canadian companies in Niger searching for uranium. Last month, Niger signed a deal with Areva, the French nuclear giant, to develop one of the biggest uranium mines in the world. The $1.5-billion deal will make Niger the second-biggest uranium producer in the world. Source: http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090209.wrniger09/BNStory/Business/home (Reliability: Moderate - 44.26)