Orano, Govt of Niger inks general partnership agreement
The global partnership agreement has been signed in Niamey, Niger, between the Prime Minister’s office, Ousseini Hadizatou Yacouba (Minister of Mines), Ahmat Jidoud (Minister of Finance), and Nicolas Maes (CEO of Orano Mining), which highlights the efforts of Orano and Niger to strengthen their sustainable relationship.
The agreement covers various areas of mutual interest, including the Imouraren project, the operation of the SOMAÏR mine, the remediation of COMINAK, and Orano’s social commitment in Niger. Regarding the Imouraren project, the agreement states that Orano will continue to explore options for mining the deposit. A roadmap has been developed, which includes an investment budget of 85 million euros, to demonstrate the technical, environmental, and economic viability of using the in-situ recovery (ISR) method for the Imouraren deposit.
Economic balance
The ISR method aims to improve the project’s economic balance, reduce risks for all stakeholders, and significantly minimize its environmental impact. The relevant ministries, in close collaboration with local communities, will oversee these efforts, with the goal of making an investment decision by 2028 if the feasibility is confirmed.
In terms of the social component, three specific areas have been selected. These include improving skills, promoting the schooling of young girls (with a focus on developing boarding school facilities), and supporting economic development in the energy sector. These projects are currently under study and are expected to be implemented by 2030, with a total investment of 40 million euros.
Nicolas Maes, the CEO of Orano Mining, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing Niger’s significant role in the global uranium industry. He stated that the agreement reaffirms and outlines the future direction of Orano’s commitment to both industrial and social aspects in Niger. Maes also highlighted the responsible approach taken by Orano, both in rehabilitating the Cominak site and in the ambitious plan for the Imouraren deposit.
