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Issues at Operating Uranium Mines and Mills - Africa

(last updated 23 May 2013)

General

Areva en Afrique, Une face cachée du nucléaire français

, par Raphaël Granvaud, Dossiers Noirs 24, Agone, 15 février 2012, 300 pages (in French)
> Download 4-page leaflet

(in French)

Uranium from Africa. Mitigation of Uranium Mining Impacts on Society and Environment by Industry and Governments , A joint report by WISE and SOMO, Amsterdam, June 2011, 104 p. (1.89M PDF) [covers the situation in Namibia, South Africa, and the Central African Republic]

Radioactive Revenues: Financial Flows between Uranium Mining Companies and African Governments , by Albert ten Kate & Joseph Wilde-Ramsing, SOMO/WISE, March 2011

Malawi

Kayelekera

> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

Kayelekera mine

(also called Kayerekera)

> View deposit info

Paladin reports further US$ 44.8 million writedown at Kayelekera mine: Uranium miner Paladin Energy has slashed a further US$ 44.8 million from the value of its Kayelekera mine in Malawi, taking writedowns for project over the past nine months to US$ 140.8 million. In its financial report for nine months to March 31, released after the market closed yesterday, Paladin blamed "continued uranium price weakness" for the writedown. (The West Australian May 15, 2013)

Malawi to renegotiate with Paladin on the Kayelekera uranium deal: Malawi has finally succumbed to pressure from activists to start re-negotiating with Paladin Africa Limited on the Kayerekera Uranium deal in a last ditch attempt to create a win-win situation. First on the proposal is to remove the confidentiality clause on the agreement such that it be made public before rectifying other strings within the deal. Minister of Mines Mr John Bande confirmed that discussions are underway with Paladin Africa Limited on the matter. (Malawi Today Apr. 14, 2013)

Paladin has US$10 million environmental bond for Kayelekera uranium mine: Australian Miner Paladin Energy Limited, operators of the Kayerekera Uranium Mine in Karonga district have a US$10 million Environmental Performance Bond with two commercial banks in Malawi to among other things cater for rehabilitation costs for signs of default during and after mine life. "Paladin has a MWK 3.9 Billion (US$10 Million) Performance Bond in place to satisfy the environmental obligations of Clause 18.14(a). This comprises a US$ 5 Million Performance Bond with Standard Bank Limited and US$ 5 Million Performance Bond with Nedbank Malawi Limited," Paladin General Manager for International Affairs Greg Walker told Nyasa Times in an email response. The bond, in the form of irrevocable letters of credit, will deal with issues like water and environment contamination and the eventual clean up.
Walker was reacting to media reports which erroneously insinuated that Paladin Africa Limited, and the Reserve Bank of Malawi are yet to establish the Bond, six years after signing the mining deal. (Nyasa Times Apr. 3, 2013)

Opposition party pushes Malawi government to re-negotiate 'stinking' deal with Paladin on Kayerekera mine: Opposition People's Transformation Party (PETRA) is making a strong appeal to government authorities to re-negotiate with immediate effect what it calls "stinking development agreement" between Malawi and the Australian-based mining company Paladin Africa Limited on Kayerekera uranium mine it is operating in the northern district of Karonga. PETRA's President Kamuzu Chibambo told reporters that the nature of the agreement reached between the two parties left a lot to be desired as it has a lot of loopholes which are not only largely unclear but also disadvantageous to Malawians as they are crafted for the benefit of the mining company alone. (Nyasa Times Mar. 5, 2013)

Paladin reports impairment of US$ 96 million at Kayelekera mine: Paladin reported an impairment of US$ 96 million at its Kayelekera mine, due to continued weakness in the uranium price, while also writing down US$ 98.2 million for de-recognition of the mine as a deferred tax asset. (WA Business News Feb. 15, 2013)

Paladin to retrench 110 workers at Kayelekera mine in "response to economic pressures": Australian uranium miner Paladin Energy would restructure the mining operations at Kayelekera in Karonga that would result in the retrenchment of 110 employees [representing an 18% staff reduction]. The miner confirmed to Nyasa Times when asked about the job cuts.
Paladin international affairs General Manager Greg Walker told Nyasa Times: "We have reviewed staff numbers and are retrenching 110 national employees." The development comes after the uranium miner reported that Kayelekera Mine output jumped 20.9 percent in the quarter ending December 2012. But Walker explained: "While production has gone up, the uranium price has not; hence Kayelekera continues to operate at a loss." In a statement made available to Nyasa Times, Paladin said the staff reduction is in "response to economic pressures on the Company caused by the continuing depressed uranium price". Walker said apart from the local staff expatriate positions are also being reduced by 24 per cent from 118 to 90. (Nyasa Times Jan. 25, 2013)

Paladin threatens anti-nuclear website owner with court action: The law firm Ashurst has been instructed to threaten a 75-year old pensioner who has spoken out against the alleged exploitation of African workers by an Australian uranium miner.
Noel Christina Macpherson Wauchope, who runs the website www.antinuclear.net under the name Christina Macpherson, told BusinessDay she was not in a position to hire lawyers. Wauchope said that she cut and pasted some articles from the Malawi press and posted them on her website. She collates press clippings from around the world, anything to do with uranium.
The price of Noel Wauchope's concern for the people [of] Karonga was a long and intimidating letter of demand from Ashurst on behalf of the uranium company Paladin Energy and its general manager of international affairs, Greg Walker. If she did not comply with these demands, warned Ashurst, she would face court action.
Paladin chief executive John Borshoff said he was unaware of the letter. "I'm not aware about a 75-year old lady," said Borshoff, "All I know is that these NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) and they are absolutely maligning us, and we sent them legal letters". (The Sydney Morning Herald Dec. 19, 2012)

Workers at Kayelekera uranium mine on strike over labour conditions: The local workers told Nyasa Times that they are demanding pay increase from the uranium producer Paladin. Workers downed their tools on Friday afternoon (May 11) halting production at the site. (Nyasa Times May 11, 2012)
On May 16, 2012, Paladin announced than an agreement in principle was achieved for a return to work by the striking Malawi employees.

Kayelekera uranium mill temporarily shut down due to delays in deliveries of sulphuric acid: On Oct. 4, 2011, Paladin Energy Ltd advised that the Kayelekera Mine processing plant has been shut down temporarily to allow replenishment of necessary operational sulphuric acid inventories. The acid plant has been undergoing remedial repair work made necessary due to localised ground movement. It is not possible to run the processing plant and at the same time restore acid stocks to sufficient levels with delays in recent acid deliveries to site.

Student found dead after critical publication alleged payments of Kayelekera uranium mine to Malawi president: A student of Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, who was very critical of President Bingu wa Mutharika and was being hunted down by police, has been found dead at his university campus. Robert Chasowa was in his fourth year of a course in Engineering at the Malawi Polytechnic. He was found lying down and his head oozing with blood. The students suspect regime thugs threw him from a tall building.
The deceased was a "wanted" man by security forces and has been in hiding after police came at the campus to quiz him over anti-Mutharika Youth for Freedom and Democracy (YFD) group whose scathing publication The Weekly Political Update has already seen police arrest some of the YFD members. Nyasa Times also understands that Police on Monday (Sep. 19) raided the home of 21-year old Black Moses, president of YFD whisking him away to an unknown location. He is apparently being questioned over the publication which is a one-paged numbered prose that uses critical language against Bingu wa Mutharika's authoritarian rule.
The Monday paper also alleged that Kayerekera Uranium mine is depositing about K14 million [US$ 83,690] to Mutharika's account and that central bank's governor Perks Ligoya own a fat account in Dubai. (Nyasa Times Sep. 24, 2011)
The death of a University of Malawi student activist who published a weekly newsletter critical of government policies has been ruled a suicide, police said on Sunday (Sep. 25). But many say they believe 25-year-old Robert Chasowa, a fourth-year engineering student at the Malawi Polytechnic was assassinated and the suicide aspect has been doctored. (Nyasa Times Sep. 25, 2011)
Chasowa's death 'not suicide', insists pathologist Dzamalala: Malawi's pathologist Dr Charles Dzamalala, who carried out a post-mortem on the body of a fourth year University of Malawi engineering student Robert Chasowa whose mysterious death police say, was a case of suicide, told Capital Radio's Straight Talk programme on Tuesday (Oct. 4) that his death was not suicide and that his yet-to-be released report will state so. (Nyasa Times Oct. 4, 2011)
Paladin paying Malawi's president? Australia's help sought to see records: Claims by a student activist who was found dead on his college campus have set in motion plans to petition the Australian government to have Paladin Energy Limited, an Australian mining company, to make public its records of financial transactions. "At the centre of the petition is an Australian Company operating in Malawi. It has been alleged that it has questionable dealings with some officials of the Government of Malawi," reads a letter sent to Australia Parliament's Petitions Committee Secretariat. "At least one person who made such allegations has died. The police quickly and conveniently for them, called his death suicide, [but] the local pathologist has opined otherwise," the group whose members would like their identity concealed at this time said. (Maravi Post Oct. 26, 2011)

Yellowcake drying and packaging plant at Kayelekera mine to be relocated due to "land slippage": On Aug. 26, 2011, Paladin Energy Ltd advised that the drying and packaging plant has been closely inspected for damage caused by localised movement related to previously advised land slippage. As a result Paladin determined that in the interests of safety it would be prudent to bring forward its existing plans to relocate the drying and packaging plant and this programme is now underway.
In the interim, Kayelekera will be producing yellowcake with higher moisture content than standard specification. Plans are in place to divert Kayelekera concentrates via its sister mine at Langer Heinrich in Namibia for final drying and packing en route to export from Walvis Bay in the normal manner.

Community group requests access to information on mining activities: A community task team from Malawi's northern region district of Karonga has petitioned government for access to information that will enable them to effectively monitor mining activities in the area for compliance with fundamental human rights and labour standards. They petitioned the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Department of Mines and the Ministry of Labour. The Karonga Natural Resources Justice Committee (KANRJC), which submitted the petition, was formed specifically to oversee natural resources and development issues that affect the general public in Karonga.
Their groundbreaking initiative seeks to use provisions in Malawi's environmental protection laws that guarantee citizens' access to information in order to protect their communities' health, environmental, property and labour rights. In particular, KANRJC seeks information on the operations at Kayelekera Uranium Mine and Mwabulambo Coal Mine. It is concerned for compliance with environmental and safety standards at the mines, land allocation for mining without proper compensation being provided to the dispossessed land owners and delivery on undertakings by the mining companies in terms of development agreements with the government of Malawi. (Nyasa Times August 25, 2011)

Coal-fired power plant demanded for Kayelekera uranium mine: Dedza North West MP Alekeni Menyani (MCP) on Monday (Jun. 20) advised Malawi Government to find an alternative source of energy for the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga. The MP said the use of diesel fuel in the mining of uranium is exerting pressure on the country's already low supplies of fuel.
"Government should seriously consider constructing a thermal electric plant run on coal dedicated for the uranium mining project right at the mining place. I believe that such a project will, without, fail ease the pressure currently being felt on fuel," he said. (Nation Jun. 22, 2011)

Truck driver dies in accident at Kayelekera uranium mine: A Tanzanian national, a driver, died at a fatal accident which occurred at Malawi's uranium mine, Kayelekera in Karonga, police and Paladin have confirmed. According to eye witnesses working on Saturday (Jun. 18), the truck caught fire with the impact but was extinguished with water from the 1 million litre water tank which it hit. (Nyasa Times Jun 19, 2011)

Kayelekera mine resumes production after one week disruption due to diesel fuel shortage: After experiencing a "severe shortage in availability of diesel due to foreign exchange constraints", Paladin announced on Feb. 21, 2011, that production resumes the same day.

Paladin Energy refuses disclosure of carbon footprint: view here

Paladin orders miners to work in Kayelekera mine in spite of shortage of dust masks: Malawian workers at Paladin's Kayerekera uranium mine in Karonga are living in a hazardous environment as they are working with no masks to protect their faces from potentially harmful dust. Nyasa Times under cover journalist who visited the Kayerekera mine on Friday September 23, 2010 found that most miners did not wear masks, and their hands and face were caked with uranium ore. The workers protested to management about the development.
But the geology superintendent of the mine, Johan De Bruin confirmed the lack of dust mask. In his email sent on September 23 to 9 workers, he ordered the staff that they cannot stop mining due to shortage of dust mask. He wrote that Barbour informed him that currently there is a huge shortage of the suppliers and that it will take a while to increase the stock levels again. "Mining is a 24 hour operation and cannot be stopped as a result of a shortage of available dust masks," said De Bruin in his email. He advised that as an interim arrangement, one dust mask will and must be used for more than one shift. (Nyasa Times Sep. 25, 2010)

Paladin targets first uranium deliveries to China in 2011: view here

Kayelekera mine reaches 50% of design capacity; full production expected by April: Paladin's Australian-based Chief Financial Officer Garry Korte said Kayelekera has so far achieved 50 percent of its planned production capacity. "Our design capacity is to produce 3.3 million pounds of uranium [1,269 t U] a year. So far, we are able to produce about 50 percent of our daily capacity. We hope to reach our full capacity by April this year," said Korte. (Daily Times March 1, 2010)

NGO warns about impending uranium tailings dam failures and mudslides caused by earthquakes and/or heavy rain: A South African-based non-governmental organisation, Bench Marks Foundation , has warned of impending ecological and human disasters in Karonga resulting from uranium mining and exposure to mudslides during rainy seasons. However, government has trashed the NGO's predictions, describing it as “misguided and unfounded” and only aimed at instilling fear among Malawians living in Karonga and the surrounding areas.
In its February 1, 2010 media statement titled “Malawi town, a disaster waiting to happen”, the Foundation warns that any earthquake severe enough to damage Paladin's operations will see a toxic poisonous mix flood down from the mountains above Karonga into Lake Malawi below. “The ecological and human disaster, which will follow will be unspeakable,” the Foundation's Executive Director John Capel says in the statement.
Karonga experienced a series of medium earthquakes that started in December 2009, but Paladin's operations survived this round of tremors. However, the Foundation warns that should the tremors increase in intensity, Paladin might be affected as well. The report by Bench Mark Foundation comes less than a month after the US geological experts dismissed sentiments that the Karonga earthquakes were connected to the uranium mining at Kayelekera in the district. (Sunday Times, Malawi, Feb. 7, 2010)

Malawi invites power firms to develop hydro power scheme for Kayelekera uranium mine: The Malawi government is inviting expressions of interest (EoIs) for the development of the Kayelekera North Rukuru river hydroelectric power project on an independent power producer (IPP) basis. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) says that the successful bidder will be required to undertake feasibility studies for the project, expected to supply power to the nearby Kayelekera uranium mine. (Engineering News Nov. 27, 2009)

Paladin plans extension of Kayelekera uranium mine: On Oct. 29, 2009, Paladin Energy Ltd announced that is to conduct an optimisation study at Kayelekera whereby it intends exploiting some additional resource by extending the west wall of the current planned pit. This study will be targeting an increased production rate of 3.8 Mlb U3O8 [1,462 t U] pa (from current 3.3 Mlb U3O8 [1,269 t U] pa) with minimal capital requirement (estimated at US$10-$15M) by utilising existing excess capacity. It is expected this production rate will be achieved by mid calendar 2012.

Malawi government ignorant of uranium tonnage exported by Paladin's Kayelekera mine: Government is yet to know about the quantity of Uranium exported by Paladin Africa last month. Paladin is mining uranium at Kayelekera in Karonga. The company exported its first uranium last month, but Energy and Natural Resources Minister Grain Malunga says his ministry is yet to be briefed about the quantity exported. "We will come back to you once we have the figures," he said.
Uranium has become one of the most sensitive minerals in this era of nuclear energy and power, and government may be taken to task by the International Atomic Energy Agency for not following up of exported quantity. IAEA calls for strict monitoring and handling of uranium to prevent it from falling into unsafe hands, possibly terrorists. (Nyasa Times Oct. 23, 2009)

Kayelekera mine starts exporting uranium: Malawi has started exporting uranium, which is going through Zambia before departure for overseas using the Walvis Bay of Namibia. Paladin Africa has confirmed the development.
Paladin deputy country manager, Werner Messidat told Bizcommunity that one container was shipped in August and two more have followed recently. "The product, which was sent there, will be sent together with other products from our sister company from Namibia, which will be shipped, together to Canada," said Messidat. He said since they are looking to be at full production by end of December from next year, this will be a monthly exercise, as they will be shipping two shipments per month. "We will be sending three containers at a time but the target will be to send six containers each month," he said. (Bizcommunity 21 Oct 2009)

Fourth death this year at Paladin's Kayelekera mine: Uranium producer Paladin Energy Ltd has reported a fatality at its Kayelekera mine in northern Malawi, the fourth this year at the site. The company said in a statement on Thursday that an employee had died at the mine as a result of a mini-bus rollover on Wednesday (Oct. 7). Paladin said 19 people including the driver were injured, with 15 admitted to hospital. Paladin advised on August 25 that a construction contractor had died at the mine, also as a result of a motor vehicle incident. The company reported on April 5 that two sub-contractors had died in a flash fire at the mine construction site. (The Sydney Morning Herald Oct. 8, 2009)

Malawi's draft uranium regulations "essentially a self-regulation system": view here

Kayelekera uranium exports to start September 2009: Uranium exports from the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga are expected to start next month following months of trial processing and production at the mine since the official opening of the mine by President Bingu wa Mutharika on April 17 this year. In a company report filed with the Australian Stock Exchange last week, Paladin Energy Limited managing director John Borshoff told investors that Kayelekera Mine was in its final development stages and that trial production started at the mine in June. "By June, projected production was reached at the mine and desired performance was reached and was on schedule," said Borshoff, adding, "Commercial production at the mine will start early September and first production is planned for shipping out towards the end of the same month." Borshoff said the company had so far invested US$167 million at the mine in Karonga and that when fully developed; the mine will produce 3.3 million lb of uranium [1269 t U] for the export market. According to Borshoff, 34,600 lb of tradable yellow-cake uranium [13.3 t U] by-product had been produced from the mine by June. (The Daily Times 5 August 2009)

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Namibia

General · Rössing (extra page) · Langer Heinrich

> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

General

Water supply for Namibia's uranium mines reduced by 25% in view of water shortage in central coastal area

On March 25, 2011, NamWater announced that the water supply to the uranium mines will be reduced by 25%. This affects the mines to varying degrees: Rössing hopes to maintain normal production by replacing freshwater in the mill wherever possible and by avoiding any non-essential consumption. Paladin's Langer Heinrich mine is not affected, as it has collected more than 500,000 cubic metres of rain water in two open pits during the past two weeks; and, Areva's Trekkopje mine is not affected, as it is fed with water supplied by its own desalination plant. (Allgemeine Zeitung Mar. 28, 2011)

Water crisis in Swakopmund; uranium mines also affected

Two leaks in the Omdel water pipeline led to a serious water shortage in the city of Swakopmund beginning from Jan. 22, 2010. Apparently, the Rössing and Langer Heinrich uranium mines had been notified of the imminent shortage by NamWater, while residents were not informed. (Allgemeine Zeitung Jan. 25, 2010)
Uranium production came to a standstill at the Rössing and Langer Heinrich uranium mines on Feb. 1 and 2 due to water shortage. Water supply gradually returned on Feb. 3. Areva's Trekkopje mine (under construction) will have to wait until Feb. 5. (Republikein Feb. 4, 2010)

Police seizes 170 kg of stolen uranium

The Erongo Police on Friday (Sep. 4) arrested three suspects for being in possession of, and allegedly wanting to deal in, 170 kg (375 pounds) of uranium oxide (U₃O₈). (Namibian Sep 8, 2009)

Erongo Region faces serious water shortage; Rössing and Langer Heinrich uranium mines temporarily without water

A severe water shortage is staring the Erongo Region in the face. This fact was demonstrated when two of Namibia's largest mines, Rössing Uranium and Langer Heinrich, were without water for two days a few weeks ago and Swakopmund's reservoir at one stage held only 500 cubic metres of water (the town needs about 11,000 cubic metres a day). Swakopmund Council CEO, Eckart Demasius, stated that the region was experiencing a water shortage. Demasius said the problem was exacerbated by the current condition of the Omdel water-supply system, which is an integral water source for Swakopmund, Arandis, Rössing Uranium and Langer Heinrich, along with the Kuiseb River's Swartbank system, which mostly feeds Walvis Bay. He said pipe-bursts in the Omdel-system caused the Rössing and Langer Heinrich mines to be without water for two days.
Langer Heinrich Managing Director, Wyatt Buck, confirmed that mining was stopped for two days recently, causing revenue losses of nearly N$8 million (US$1 million). "Rössing's operations were not impacted as this was at a time when the mine had a planned two-week maintenance shutdown, with no production," Jerome Mutumba, External Affairs Manager at Rössing Uranium, said. (Namibian July 23, 2009)

Rössing

> see extra page

Langer Heinrich

> View deposit info

Paladin Energy secures financing for stage 3 expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine

Uranium producer Paladin Energy said it received full financing of $141-million for the expansion of its Namibia project. Paladin said it signed a financing agreement with a syndicate of banks and added that it plans to fund initial development at the Langer Heinrich Stage 3 through existing cash reserves. The company said the project is on track to reach potential capacity in the first quarter of 2012. (Reuters Aug. 26, 2011)

Langer Heinrich mine expansion hit by strike

Progress on Expansion Phase Three of Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine came to a standstill on Monday (Aug. 15) after employees of the main contractor, Grinaker LTA, downed tools due to grievances related to impending layoffs. According to a workers committee representative, more than 600 workers of the construction and engineering company stopped work on the mine site at noon on Monday - and continued to strike on Tuesday. (Namibian Aug. 17, 2011)

Feasibility study commenced for Stage 4 expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine

AMEC Minproc

has commenced work for Paladin Energy on their definitive feasibility study for the major Stage 4 expansion of the Langer Heinrich uranium operation. The study is targeting an overall expanded annual production of 10 million pounds [3,850 t U]. The study is expected to be complete by the end of 2011. (AMEC Minproc June 30, 2011)

Uranium miner Paladin Energy refuses disclosure of carbon footprint

An investor group is considering legal action against Paladin Energy over the uranium miner's refusal to debate climate change risks. Paladin has rejected listing a Climate Advocacy Fund's

proposed resolution

that the miner disclose its carbon footprint at its annual meeting late this month. The fund owns a small stake in Paladin and had the support of the required 100 shareholders under the Corporations Act to put forward a resolution. "We say Paladin has acted against the provisions of the Act and we could take legal action over it," fund executive director James Thier told BusinessDaily. "Certainly, we will have talks with ASIC

."
Mr Thier said carbon footprint database Trucost

estimated Paladin was the third-most carbon intensive ASX 200 company, with emissions estimated at more than 2500 tonnes of carbon dioxide per $1 million of revenue. "This is six times more than the ASX 200 average and if it is correct, it means our company (Paladin) may be highly exposed to carbon costs that are anticipated to be introduced . . . to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," the fund told the miner.
Mr Thier said Paladin chairman Rick Crabb, who did not return BusinessDaily's calls yesterday, told the fund although the company acknowledged its concerns, they "were not part of shareholder business". (Herald Sun Nov. 3, 2010)

Paladin reports doubling of ore reserve of Langer Heinrich deposit

On Oct. 1, 2010, Paladin Energy Ltd. announced that the ore reserve for the Langer Heinrich deposit increased 104% to 134.1 Mlb U3O8 (51,577 t U).

Paladin targets first uranium deliveries to China in 2011

Paladin Energy Ltd. said it is targeting uranium shipments to China in 2011 after signing a preliminary accord with the nation's second-biggest builder of nuclear power plants. Paladin, the Australian mining company producing uranium in Africa, aims to convert a memorandum of understanding with China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group Co. into supply contracts later in 2010 or early next year, Chief Executive Officer John Borshoff said in a telephone interview today. Paladin may then be able to begin shipments in the "latter part" of next year, he said. (Bloomberg Aug. 31, 2010)

Water supply expansion proposal for Langer Heinrich uranium mine

Groundwater abstraction cannot supply enough water for Langer Heinrich mine expansion, draft Scoping/EIA Report concludes; comments invited:

"The key conclusion of the EIA is that:
The proposed abstraction of 250,000m³/annum from the Husab Berg compartment is not sustainable. The impact of this activity will be high since the sustainable abstraction rate is only 150,000m³/annum and the SEA gives a clear recommendation/guideline that future mining activities must source desalinated water only."

> Download: The Water Supply Improvement Project to the Langer Heinrich Mine. Draft Scoping/Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Draft 03 23/11/2010 for comment by stakeholders

, Enviro Dynamics, 2010. (2.2M PDF - Environmental Information Service Namibia)

Residents oppose pumping of more water from Swakop River valley for supply of Langer Heinrich uranium mine expansion: At the first public meeting held at Swakopmund on Aug. 4 on the proposed expansion of the Langer Heinrich uranium mine, the participants vehemently opposed the abstraction of an additional 250,000 cubic metres of water from the Swakop River valley. The landscape had already been affected by excessive water abstraction over the past years, and any additional abstraction would make the damages more obvious, they said. (Allgemeine Zeitung Aug. 6, 2010)

Langer Heinrich uranium mine seeks expansion of water supply: The expansion project for the Langer Heinrich uranium mine requires the supply of additional amounts of water; the proposal is to pump more water from the Swakop River valley. An environmental assessment for the proposal is being prepared by Enviro Dynamics CC .
Public comments on the project are invited by August 18, 2010. (Allgemeine Zeitung July 23, 2010)
The outcome of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the water supply improvement project to the mine is to be presented in Swakopmund on Dec. 1, 2010. (Nambian Nov. 23, 2010)

Paladin plans further massive expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine, including heap leaching

On Oct. 29, 2009, Paladin Energy Ltd announced plans to increase production capacity of its Langer Heinrich uranium mine to around 10 million lb U3O8 [3,846 t U] per year (Stage 4 Expansion).
"It is believed that with current resources this balance can best be achieved by an annual plant production level of around the 9 Mlb U3O8, and a remaining mine life of 15 years. Investigations to date also suggest that this can be supplemented by a 1 Mlb pa U3O8 heap leaching facility. The run of mine operation is planned to crush approximately 8 Mtpa at an average grade of 600 ppm. This crushed ore will then be upgraded through an expanded scrubbing circuit to give a leach feed grade of around 920 ppm. The heap leach feed material is expected to comprise 42 Mt of low grade (175 ppm) material. Off-site infrastructure requirements include the installation of a second water supply pipeline and an upgrade to the existing electrical power supply line."

Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed expansion project at Langer Heinrich mine

"LHU [Langer Heinrich Uranium (Pty) Ltd] proposes to expand its current operations at the mine in order to increase the uranium oxide production from 3.7 million pounds per annum [1,423 t U/a] to between 5 and 10 million pounds per annum [1,923 - 3,846 t U/a].
The main components of the expansion project include:

an increase in the rate of mining,
a new satellite mine workshop,
the expansion of the existing processing plant,
a new satellite crushing plant,
a heap leach pad,
modifications to tailings management,
a temporary contractor’s camp,
additional power supply to the water abstraction boreholes located in the Swakop River, and
additional support infrastructure and services."

> Download: Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed expansion project at Langer Heinrich mine

, August 2009 (Paladin Energy Ltd)

Paladin approves further expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine

On June 30, 2009, Paladin Energy Ltd announced board approval of the Stage III Expansion of its Langer Heinrich uranium mine. The expansion project will increase production capacity to 5.2 million lb U3O8 [2000 t U] per year, rather than 6 million lb U3O8, as previously announced. The reduced target was chosen, as it is not vulnerable to delays in achieving additional water supply.
According to Paladin's news release of Nov. 12, 2010, "Stage 3 construction to expand capacity to 5.2Mlb pa is tracking early 2011 mechanical completion and startup of commissioning."

Paladin reports large resource upgrade for Langer Heinrich deposit

On Aug. 28, 2008, Paladin Energy Ltd announced a 46% increase in the Measured and Indicated Resources and a 64% increase in the Inferred Resources of the Langer Heinrich uranium deposit.

Langer Heinrich uranium mine expansion project

Langer Heinrich Uranium (LHU) proposes to commence, in 2008, with the first stage of a two-stage expansion, which aims to ramp up production from its current 2.6 Mlb/a U3O8 [1,000 t U/a] to approximately 3.7 Mlb/a U3O8 [1,423 t U/a] by early 2009.
The second stage of the expansion is targeted for 2010 and sees production at approximately 6.0 Mlb/a U3O8 [2,308 t U/a]. This latter stage has yet to be designed.
A document outlining the proposed changes in activities, impacts and proposed mitigation was prepared and submitted to MME and MET. Because the stage II expansion project is still within the scope of the original environmental approval LHU understood that an EIA would not be necessary but that the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) should be updated to reflect the changes. After reviewing the document, both Ministries confirmed that updating the EMP and communicating these changes to LHU's interested and affected parties is sufficient. (LHU May 28, 2008)

Intervention after sulphuric acid spill at Langer Heinrich mine leads to explosions

The spilling of a large quantity of sulphuric acid at the Langer Heinrich uranium mine has raised questions about safety procedures at the mine. The Namibian was informed that one of the mine's employees had lost his grip on the hose transferring the acid from a truck to a storage facility. The employee apparently fled to call for help, after which a forklift dumped a large quantity of caustic soda on the spill to neutralise the acid. The result was explosive, according to the sources. A series of loud bangs could be heard from a distance, but nobody was injured. (Namibian Apr. 25, 2008)

Langer Heinrich mine flooded after rainstorm

On March 27, 2008, the open pit of the Langer Heinrich mine was flooded with run-off water from a rainstorm. The pit will not be usable for about one month. During this time, Paladin intends to mine its second pit. (Allgemeine Zeitung Mar. 31, 2008)

Langer Heinrich mine reaches designed production level

On Jan. 14, 2008, Paladin Energy Ltd announced the the Langer Heinrich operations achieved the stated production target for the December quarter of 2007. Paladin now expects Langer Heinrich to produce at its nameplate design of 2.6 Mlb of uranium oxide U3O8 [1000 t U] for the calendar year 2008.

> View old issues

Niger

General · Akouta · Arlit

> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

General

France to send special forces to protect Areva's uranium mines in Niger

Paris will send special forces to protect key uranium mining sites of French company Areva in Niger, a military source said on Thursday (Jan. 24). According to LePoint.fr

, which revealed the information, special forces previously had never been directly involved in the security of private interests, but the kidnappings at In Amenas, Algeria, have increased the risk factors. The Ministry of Defence and Areva declined to comment. Commandos will enhance security at the sites of Imouraren and Arlit, where five of the seven current French hostages in the Sahel were captured in September 2010, the newspaper said. (Reuters Jan. 24, 2013)
A dozen reservists of the French special forces strengthen security at the sites of French nuclear group Areva in Niger since the hostage-taking of In Amenas (January 16 to 19) in Algeria, sources close to the matter indicated on Friday (Feb. 1). (Le Monde Feb. 1, 2013)

NGO Sherpa terminates agreement with Areva on health monitoring around its mining sites in Niger and Gabon

On Dec. 18, 2012, the NGO Sherpa announced that it terminates the agreement concluded in 2009 with Areva to conduct health monitoring around Areva's uranium mine sites in Niger and Gabon. Sherpa notes with regret that the arrival of Luc Oursel at the head of the company has lead to a change in the culture of the company in terms of sustainable development. The NGO finds it inacceptable that compensation was paid only to the families of just two miners of French nationality, while local miners did not receive any compensation at all.
Another concern is the decontamination of the former Mounana mine in Gabon. The cleanup was only partially performed and in a very dissatisfactory way, leaving the neighboring residents still exposed to radation risks. (Le Monde Dec. 18, 2012)
> View Sherpa release Dec. 18, 2012

(in French)

French and Nigerien activists create anti-uranium network

> View here

Areva to monitor health of Niger uranium mine workers

Areva said on Tuesday (Dec. 6) it would monitor the health of thousands of workers and residents exposed to its uranium mine sites in Niger, bowing to pressure from advocacy groups.
The move comes a year after the French nuclear giant opened a health monitoring centre in Gabon to examine more than 1,000 former miners who fell ill after working in one of Areva's mines there. Areva said it has not yet found a link between any of the workers' health problems and their work at the mine. "Health observatories have now become a reality in two African countries and Areva wants to extend the health monitoring to all the mines it operates in the world," said Alain Acker, medical director for Areva. "In case of illness attributable to professional activity, Areva would take responsibility for healthcare up to French medical standards."
The company's doctor who is in charge of workers in Niger, Assane Baraze, said Areva would also review "all cases of deaths reported over the period 1977-2010... to see if there is a link between the deaths and uranium mining." There is no reliable data on deaths or diseases in the area of Niger's mine sites, which have been in operation for roughly four decades. (Reuters Dec. 6/7, 2011)

European Parliament commissions study on use of radioactively contaminated material from uranium mines in building construction in Gabon and Niger

Ecologic Institute completes a study commissioned by the European Parliament on the use of radioactively contaminated materials in the construction of residential dwellings in Gabon and Niger. The study in particular examines the practices in the disposal of materials discarded in the mining of uranium in these two countries.
Desk study for Niger for security reasons. Results include:

Contaminated construction materials have been sold on local markets;
Groundwater radioactive and contaminated dust accumulates everywhere;
No workers protection and compensation for occupational illnesses;
Third Uranium mine is expected to commence operations in 2013;
Niger is signatory candidate of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

> View Study on the use of radioactively contaminated materials in the construction of residential buildings in Gabon and Niger

(Ecologic Institute)
> Download study Potential use of radioactively contaminated mining materials in the construction of residential homes from open pit uranium mines in Gabon and Niger, Nov. 2010

(1.9MB PDF - European Parliament)
> Download Presentation of Mr Sebastian Veit at ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meeting, Sep. 29, 2010

(3.8M PDF)

Akouta / Arlit

> View deposit info: Akouta · Arlit

Suicide bombers strike Areva's Arlit uranium mine

Suicide bombers struck a military barracks and a mine run by French nuclear group Areva in Niger on Thursday (May 23), killing and wounding several people in separate attacks. Military sources said several soldiers were killed in a gun battle with Islamists following a car bomb attack at the barracks in Agadez, the largest town in northern Niger. Areva said at least 13 members of staff were wounded in another bomb attack at about the same time at the Somaïr uranium mine it operates in the town of Arlit, in Niger's desert north. (Reuters May 23, 2013)
The jihadist group Mujao (Mouvement pour l'unicité et le djihad en Afrique de l'Ouest) claimed responsibility for the attacks. (Le Monde May 23, 2013)
A uranium mine in northern Niger run by French nuclear reactor maker Areva is "badly damaged" and has stopped production for the moment after it was attacked earlier in the day, Niger government spokesman Marou Amadou said on Thursday. Speaking on France Inter radio, Amadou said the crushing and grinding units at the Somaïr mine near Arlit had been particularly hit. "It's enough to stop the mine for now," he said. (Reuters May 23, 2013)
Areva has announced the death of one wounded employee. (L'Express May 23, 2013)

Workers on strike at Areva's Akouta uranium mine

Workers at Areva's Cominak uranium mine in northern Niger started a 48-hour strike on Thursday (Apr. 18) to demand the payment of a bonus on the mine's 2012 financial results, union leaders told Reuters. (Reuters Apr. 18, 2013)
Workers at Areva's Cominak uranium mine resumed their work on April 20, but the unions said that industrial action might resume from April 22, if the company won't increase the bonus payments. (Reuters Apr. 21, 2013)

Protests in Niger against Areva

Some 2,000 students held a protest in Niger's capital Niamey on Friday (Apr. 5) against French nuclear group Areva to demand their country get a bigger slice of its uranium mining revenues. Marchers held aloft placards saying "No to exploitation and neo-colonialism" and "No to Areva".
"The partnership in the mining of uranium is very unbalanced to the detriment of our country," said Mahamadou Djibo Samaila, secretary general of the Union of Niamey University Students that organised the protest. (AFP Apr. 5, 2013)

Niger in negotiations to rebalance partnership with Areva

Niger intends to renegotiate its partnership with the French group Areva for the exploitation of its uranium resources in the direction of rebalancing and looking for other partners, president Mahamadou Issoufou said on Sunday (Feb. 3). Its mining yields "only 100 million Euros per year," laments the Niger president. "It represents only 5% of our budget, that is not permissible. This is why I asked for a balanced partnership between Areva and Niger." (Reuters Feb. 4, 2013)

1,600 tonnes of scrap metal from Areva's uranium mines in Niger entered the public domain - with some lots radioactive

About 1,600 tonnes of scrap metal originating from the uranium mine sites of SOMAÏR in Arlit and COMINAK in Akouta (both subsidiaries of Areva) have been released to the public domain. In September 2012, 1,000 tonnes were spotted at a scrap merchant in Arlit. Monitoring performed by the NGO Aghirin'man (with professional equipment provided by CRIIRAD) showed that some lots are radioactive. According to Aghirin'man, the fate of 600 tonnes is unclear at the beginning of 2013. Some part of this scrap metal may have been sold abroad.
The inadequacy of the control of the radioactive scrap metal was first discovered in 2003 already.
> View Niger: ferrailles radioactives provenant des sites AREVA

, Jan. 17, 2013 (CRIIRAD - in French)
Questioned by AFP, Areva confirmed that last August drills, scaling machines for tunnelling and other disused tools had been taken out of the Somair and Cominak sites. "As soon as we were aware (of the practice), we immediately stopped the removal of all scrap from the sites," it said. "These items had traces of radiological contamination that were of no consequence for public health. Levels of radioactivity were very low, as the tools had only been in occasional contact with the (uranium) mineral, which in itself has a low radioactivity level." (AFP Jan. 17, 2013)

Areva takes legal action against "defamatory" statement of anti-nuclear activist

On December 20, 2012, Areva announced that it has decided to take action through the courts as a result of statements that the group deems to be defamatory with regard to the group concerning its involvement in Niger. This action is being taken against Mr. Stéphane Lhomme in his capacity as President of Observatoire du nucléaire

, the author of a press release published on December 11, entitled "Nucléaire/corruption : AREVA offre un avion au Président du Niger... " [Nuclear/corruption: AREVA offers a plane to the President of Niger...].

Areva receives "Pinocchio Award" for environmental impact of its uranium mines in Niger

Areva is one of three companies receiving the defamatory Prix Pinocchio

in the category "Dirty Hands, pockets full". The winners were designated by an internet vote organized by the NGO Amis de la Terre

. The NGO thinks that the group "refuses to recognize its responsibility for the deterioration of the living conditions of people living near its uranium mines in Africa", a charge that was denied by Areva in a statement to AFP. (AFP Nov. 13, 2012)

Niger considers partnership with Areva "very unbalanced"

Niger's government has rated the partnership with the French uranium mining company Areva as "very unbalanced" and said it wanted to increase the benefits from the mining sector to the population, "particularly through strengthening its participation in the governance of the industry," without elaborating. (Le Monde Oct. 25, 2012)

Workers strike at Areva's Arlit uranium mine

Workers at Areva's Somaïr uranium mine in Niger started an open-ended strike on Monday (Aug. 20) over labour conditions, a union official said. "Our strike is open ended and will continue until the management improves our living and working conditions," spokesman Mounkaila Abass told a local television broadcaster. (Reuters Aug. 20, 2012)
Workers ended a one-day strike at the Somair uranium mine in northern Niger, owned by French nuclear group Areva, as negotiations resumed with management over conditions at the mine, a labour spokesman and a company official said. (Reuters Aug. 21, 2012)

Workers at Areva's Akouta uranium mine begin 72-hour strike

About 1,200 workers at Niger's Akouta uranium mine owned by COMINAK, a subsidiary of France's Areva, have began a 72-hour strike to demand higher wages, a union official said on Monday (July 9). Inoua Neino, secretary general of the SYNTRAMIN union, said production had stopped at the over 1,600 tonnes a year mine in the north of the west African nation after the workers downed tools. "We embarked on a strike after our demand for a 3 percent raise in salaries, even though insignificant, was not met with satisfaction by management," Neino told journalists. (Reuters July 9, 2012)

Areva condemned for lung cancer death of former employee at Akouta uranium mine in Niger

The social security tribunal of Melun (France) condemned Areva for the lung cancer death of a former employee at its uranium mines in Niger. The court condemned Areva to the payment of 200,000 Euros plus interest in damages and to the doubling of the widow's pension. Serge Venel died of lung cancer in July 2009 at the age of 59, after having worked at the Cominak mine at Akokan from 1978 to 1985. (Le Monde May 11, 2012)

Volcanic-like activity near Arlit uranium mining district

Nigerian authorities and France's Areva group have sent experts to investigate eruptions, smoke and fumes spouting from a mountain in the West African nation's northern uranium mining district of Arlit, state media said. Earlier this week, residents reported two days of activity. Experts dispatched to take samples found cracks in the mountainside and rocks 400 metres away. There were no reports of injuries or damage to mines. The northeast of Arlit is home to the Aïr mountains, but volcanic activity in the area is long thought to have ended. There were no further details immediately available. (Reuters Aug. 26, 2011)

Areva releases reply to Greenpeace report on impacts of its uranium mines in Niger

On Feb. 22, 2011, Areva released a reply to Greenpeace's report Left in the Dust

on the impacts of its uranium mines in Akouta and Arlit:
> English version: AREVA and Niger: a Sustainable Partnership

> French version: AREVA et le Niger: un partenariat durable

Dam failure of retention basin spills 200 cubic metres of uranium-containing liquids at Arlit mine

On Dec. 11, 2010, a dam failure at a retention basin of the SOMAÏR uranium mill at Arlit caused a spill of 200 cubic metres of liquids containing low concentrations of uranium. The spill extended over 2 hectares of adjacent land. (Coordination des organisations de la société civile d'Arlit Dec. 17, 2010)

Niger citizens file class action in USA against Areva

A group of citizens of Niger living in the United States has filed class action against the French Group Areva for damages suffered by the State of Niger and the inhabitants of the area of Niger where Areva operates its uranium mines. According to Arthur Levinson, principal lawyer of the plaintiffs, Areva could have to pay up to Euro 20 billion in damages if the group is pronounced guilty in the lawsuit which will be held in New York. (Tamtaminfo Sep. 26, 2010)

Seven foreigners, including one Areva employee, kidnapped in uranium mining town Arlit

Seven foreigners, including five French nationals, were kidnapped in Niger's northern uranium mining zone on Thursday (Sep. 16), officials said. The kidnapping, which includes a French employee of nuclear firm Areva and his wife, raises questions about the security of mine workers in the region, where groups linked to al Qaeda's North African wing operate. The five others worked for Vinci, whose subsidiary Sogea-Satom is working as a contractor in the region. The attack happened in the town of Arlit, the first in a recent wave of kidnappings to take place within the mining zone instead of in the remote desert like previous hostage-takings over the past year. (Reuters Sep. 16, 2010)
Three of the kidnapped foreigners have been released. (AFP Feb. 25, 2011)

Areva restarts uranium recovery from low grade ores by heap leaching at Arlit

From 1971 to 1988, acid heap leaching hat already been used at Arlit, producing 500 - 600 t U per year, totalling 5,900 t U. The uranium recovery rate achieved was rather low at 50% or less, though. From 1988 to 2009, more than 10 million t of low grade ore have been piled up at the site, with an average grade of 0.08% U.
After conducting tests over several years, Areva now restarts heap leaching with an improved process. A first heap leach pad (176,500 m²) has been prepared that is to receive 1.4 million t of ore per year, from which 500 to 750 t U can be recovered annually, at recovery rates above 65%.
(Source: Heap leaching of low grade uranium ores at Somaïr, by Jacques Thiry, Nicolas Durupt, IAEA Technical Meeting on Low grade Uranium Ore, 29 – 31 March 2010

)

Greenpeace accuses Areva of neglecting health of Nigeriens

French nuclear group Areva is not paying enough attention to the health of workers and inhabitants around its two uranium mines in Niger, Greenpeace said on Monday (Mar. 29). The environmental lobby group called in a report for an independent radiation study to be conducted around the two mine sites at Arlit and Akokan in the country's northwest and for the area to be decontaminated. "The people of Arlit and Akokan continue to be surrounded by poisoned air, contaminated soil and polluted water," Greenpeace said. "With each day that passes, Nigeriens are exposed to radiation, illness and poverty -- while Areva makes billions from their natural resources," it said. (AFP Mar. 29, 2010)

Protests over circumstances of Areva's uranium mining activities in Niger

A Niger lobby group has vowed to commence squatting in front of the Niamey headquarters of the French mining giant, Areva, to protest against the conditions under which it carries out its uranium exploitation in northern Niger.
The group, branding itself "Areva ne fera pas la loi au Niger

" (Areva does not make laws in Niger) accuses the French outfit of wilful contamination through persistent exposure to highly [?] radioactive material, which it says has killed an unspecified number of employees and residents living near the company's mining sites. (Daily Nation, Kenya, Mar. 5, 2010)

Greenpeace survey still finds excessive radiation levels in Niger's uranium mining towns

In November 2009, Greenpeace visited the uranium mines in Niger and the neighbouring mining towns of Arlit and Akokan. The mines are operated by subsidiaries of AREVA, a French nuclear company. During the visit Greenpeace found dangerous levels of radiation in the streets of Akokan. AREVA had earlier claimed that these risks had been identified and addressed.
> View Greenpeace International release Nov. 26, 2009

> Download Greenpeace International briefing, Nov. 2009

(239k PDF)
Following Greenpeace's report of radioactive hotspots in the uranium mining city Akokan in Niger, AREVA has confirmed that the radioactivity in the streets of Akokan was unacceptably high. Under pressure from civil society the French nuclear company has taken action to clean up the spots indicated by Greenpeace. (Greenpeace International 5 Jan 2010)
On May 6, 2010, Greenpeace released a detailed report and a video on the Nov. 2009 visit to Niger.
> Download Greenpeace report Left in the dust - AREVA's radioactive legacy in the desert towns of Niger, April 2010, 64 p.

(Greenpeace International)
> View Greenpeace video Left in the Dust - uranium mining in Niger

(Youtube)
> Download CRIIRAD reports on radiological situation in the vicinity of the uranium mines operated by SOMAÏR and COMINAK in northern Niger

Environmental impacts of coal mining for electricity supply to uranium mines (Niger)

On July 30, 2009, the independent radiation laboratory CRIIRAD found heavy metals and sulfate in water pumped from the bottom of the SONICHAR coal mine and released into the environment. The coal produced in the open pit mine is burnt in the Tchirozérine power plant (2 x 18.8 MW); 85% of the electricity generated is sold to the uranium mines of SOMAÏR and COMINAK.
In view of the new uranium mines to come into operation in the area (in particular Imouraren), coal consumption of the power plant is to increase by a factor of 2.5 from the current 160,000 t per year to 400,000 t in 2011.
> View CRIIRAD release July 30, 2009

(in French)

French court to decide on discrimination of Niger Tuareg by Areva

The Paris magistrates' court is to decide on alleged discrimination of the Niger Tuareg by Areva. An Areva director is accused to have called the French government to help Niger to put down the Tuareg rebellion. The case was brought before the court by Niger civil society group Alhak-en-Akal and German NGO Menschenrechte 3000 e.V.

The court decision is expected on September 15, 2009. (Le Monde June 23, 2009)

Areva and NGOs conclude agreement on health monitoring around uranium mine sites

On June 19, 2009, Areva and the NGOs Sherpa

and Médecins Du Monde

concluded an agreement to establish health monitoring stations around Areva's uranium mining sites and a "pluralistic group" for health monitoring.
> View Areva release June 19, 2009

(in French)
> View Sherpa release June 19, 2009

(in French)
> View CRIIRAD's comments, June 18, 2009

(in French)

In 2009, the NGO Sherpa has received Euro 80,000 from Areva to support the field work layed down in this agreement. (L'Express Jan. 5, 2010)

NGOs urge Areva to respect the environment and the health of the residents at its uranium mines in Niger

On March 26, 2009, NGOs of Niger urged Areva to make provisions for the protection of the environment and the health of the residents in the north of Niger, where the company has been exploiting uranium mines for 40 years. Such provisions still have not been taken, according to a statement of the Network of Organizations for Transparency and Budget Analysis (ROTAB)

. (AFP March 26, 2009)
> See also CRIIRAD release

(in French)

Niger's Tuareg rebels demand share of uranium revenue

Niger's Tuareg-led rebel movement chief said his Niger Justice Movement (MNJ), whose desert fighters have waged a rebellion against Niamey government troops, wants up to 30 percent of uranium revenue to be allocated to the northern region populated mainly by Tuaregs. Aghaly Ag Alambo blamed successive governments in Niamey for failing to come good on demands agreed by both sides in the 1990s. (Reuters July 20, 2008)

Niger Tuareg rebels seize 4 French uranium workers

On June 22, 2008, Tuareg-led rebels seized four French employees of the French nuclear group Areva in the north of the West African country, the rebels and the government said. The rebel Niger Justice Movement (MNJ), whose desert fighters launched a rebellion last year in Niger's uranium-producing northern region, said the French were seized in a commando raid on Areva's COMINAK mine located at Arlit. MNJ said it had carried out the kidnapping to demonstrate to foreign mining companies that the Niger government could not guarantee the security of their operations in the country, which is one of the world's leading producers of uranium. (Reuters June 22, 2008)
Niger rebels freed the French uranium company hostages on June 25, 2008. (Reuters June 25, 2008)

Gunmen attack uranium lorry in Niger

Gunmen have killed one civilian and wounded another in an attack on a lorry used for transporting uranium from north Niger to a port in Benin, authorities in the Agadez region said on March 14, 2008. (AFP March 14, 2008)

Areva receives Public Eye Award as one of "the world's most irresponsible companies" for its uranium mining operations in Niger

On January 23, 2008, the non-profit organizations the Berne Declaration and Pro Natura held an award ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, to expose the world's most irresponsible companies. Areva received the 2008 Public Eye Global Award. In addition, Areva received the 2008 Public Eye People's Award through Internet voting.
The organizations had stated the following Reason for Nomination: "Uranium mining in Niger: mineworkers are not sufficiently informed about health risks, open-air storage of radioactive materials. Workers with cancer are deliberately given a false diagnosis at the company hospital."
> View Public Eye

(in French)

Hundreds march in Niger against Areva

Hundreds of people in Niger marched on Sep. 8, 2007, to demand the departure of French nuclear giant Areva, which they accuse of backing a rebellion in the uranium-rich north of the former French colony. (Reuters Sep. 8, 2007)

Niger civil society claims US$ 640 million from AREVA in damages

Niger's citizen movement "Mouvement citoyen pour la paix, la démocratie et la République" which embraces several civil society organisations, is demanding FCFA300 billion (US$ 640 million) from French mining giant AREVA as damages for the 40-year exploitation of the Niger uranium in "unfair and iniquitous conditions," the chairman of the movement told PANA. The movement's chairman, Nouhou Arzika said the government would do everything to have AREVA pay what it owes Niger populations. "For 40 years, the company has exploited more than 100,000 tonnes of Niger's uranium at the detriment of the populations because the conditions of sale were far from addressing the interests of the country," he argued. (Panapress Aug. 29, 2007)

Head of Areva Niger expelled

Areva confirmed that its head of operations in Niger has been expelled by the country's authorities. "Areva confirms and deplores the decision of the Niger state to expel Dominique Pin, head of Areva Niger," the French nuclear power group said in a statement. Last week, Pin denied that Areva had given any support to the Touareg rebel group Movement of Niger People for Justice (MNJ), which has been carrying out violent attacks against military targets in the north of Niger for months. (AFX July 26, 2007)

Niger rebels attack power plant in uranium mining area

Rebels in Niger's remote north attacked the compound of an electricity company that powers the area's towns and uranium mines, but government troops fought them off, rebel and military sources said on July 5, 2007.
Northern rebels have made a series of attacks on government and mining interests in the impoverished West African state, killing 15 government soldiers and abducting over 70 more a fortnight ago in their worst raid yet. Some 30 wounded soldiers were later released.
In the latest attack, late on July 3, 2007, the rebel Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) said its fighters attacked a compound of state-controlled coal mining and power company SONICHAR, which powers Niger's two uranium firms, both part French-owned. (Reuters July 5, 2007)

NGOs demand immediate removal of radioactive material found in the streets of Akokan

On May 15, 2007, the NGOs CRIIRAD

and AGHIR IN'MAN

demanded the immediate removal of radioactive material found in the streets of Akokan. The material, most likely waste rock from COMINAK's nearby Akouta uranium mine reused for road construction, had been identified between March and May 2007. In the street in front of COMINAK's hospital, radiation levels of up to 100 times background were found on contact with the soil.
> Download CRIIRAD release 15 May 2007

(PDF - in French)
> Download CRIIRAD technical note 07-53, 14 May 2007

(PDF - in French)

Niger government probes reports on health hazards from uranium mines

Niger's government is investigating reports that people living near a uranium mine may have been exposed to dangerous levels of radioactivity. Local environmental groups say people near Arlit are suffering from diseases as a result of poor safety measures. French independent nuclear watchdog CRIIRAD said not enough had been done to seal off radioactive scrap metal. A commission from the government of Niger is meeting some of the local environmental groups to discuss their concerns. (BBC News May 30, 2006)

Areva/Cogéma receives rather poor rating for environmental issues at Niger uranium mines

A corporate social responsibility rating of Areva/Cogéma's Niger mining subsidiaries Somaïr and Cominak produced a rather poor Level 2 in the environmental area. The rating on a 4-level scale (with 4 being the best rating) was performed by rating agency Vigeo

. Level 2 stands for "Prudent: The company is dealing with the risks at a minimal level". The issues of waste management and rehabiliation of the mining sites were major contributors to the rating at this level. Other areas rated were human rights, human resources, customer and supplier relations, and community involvement, with results in the Level 2 to Level 3 range. (Areva/Cogéma Nov. 21, 2005)

> Download Summary of Evaluation: English · French (PDF - Areva)

Cogéma launches health study at uranium mine sites in Niger

On Nov. 16, 2005, Cogéma launched a health study on the public living in the Arlit region and in communities near AREVA's uranium mines in Niger. It centers on a clinical audit of the Arlit and Akokan hospitals and on an epidemiological study. The fact-finding mission has been entrusted to two organizations specializing in epidemiological studies, Gispe and Quanta Medical. The study should be finalized by the end of December 2005 and its conclusions will be made public. (Cogéma Nov. 17, 2005)

CRIIRAD releases studies on impacts of uranium mining in Niger

On April 25, 2005, the independent radiation laboratory CRIIRAD released the results of monitoring performed on environmental samples from the uranium mining region in Niger. CRIIRAD found that

drinking water samples from two wells had global alpha and beta contamination higher than acceptable by WHO standards. The annual dose from consumption of this water is calculated at 0.187 mSv/year,
Cogéma's release criteria for contaminated metal scrap are not strict enough to prevent radiation doses in excess of 1 mSv/year,
the site of a Jan. 23, 2004, road transport accident with uranium ore concentrate was not cleaned up appropriately; one month later, the external radiation at the site was still 10 times background,
the doses received from inhalation of dust and radon released from the mines and the tailings deposits may exceed 1 mSv/year.

> Download: Impact de l'exploitation de l'uranium par les filiales de COGEMA-AREVA au NIGER, Bilan des analyses effectuées par le laboratoire de la CRIIRAD en 2004 et début 2005, 20 Avril 2005: MS Word · RTF · PDF (in French)

A further report released by the organization Sherpa in cooperation with CRIIRAD et al. investigates the health situation of the uranium mine workers in Niger. It is based on interviews with residents, former workers, and medical doctors.

> Download: LA COGEMA AU NIGER, Rapport d'enquête sur la situation des travailleurs de la SOMAÏR et COMINAK, filiales nigériennes du groupe AREVA-COGEMA, 25 avril 2005: MS Word · PDF (in French)

> View CRIIRAD dossier: Niger: mines d'uranium (in French)

IRSN releases study on environmental impacts of Cogéma's uranium mines in Niger

The French Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN) published a study on the environmental impacts of the uranium mines at Arlit and Akouta in Niger. The study, performed at the request of Cogéma, comprised a field trip on May 10 - 15, 2004.
IRSN concludes that the radiation monitoring network set up by Cogéma around the mines and tailings deposits all in all conforms to the standards applicable in France. IRSN recommends some improvements to allow for dose calculations for certain population groups, and to track the dispersion of radioactivity by wind.
Doses were calculated for eight population groups (four at each site). For five groups, they are at 0.5 mSv/year or less, for 2 groups at 0.5 - 1 mSv/year, and for one group they exceed 1 mSv/year (probably caused from radon released from a nearby mine vent). IRSN recommends further measurements to identify the cause of the elevated radon levels.
IRSN confirmed the presence of contaminated scrap metal at the market of Arlit originating from the mines. A first rough dose assessment for the scrap merchants showed doses of the order of 1 mSv/year. IRSN recommends to improve the procedures for release of scrap metal, and to recover contaminated material that has already been released.
In a related release of April 20, 2005, Cogéma announced to launch an epidemiologic study in the area, in cooperation with the ministry of health of Niger.

> View IRSN release April 21, 2005 (in French)
> Download report Sites miniers d’uranium de SOMAIR et COMINAK (Niger), Bilan de la mission sur site en mai 2004, appréciation de l’impact radiologique, et avis sur le réseau de surveillance de l’environnement, Rapport DEI/SARG/05-05, IRSN 2005, 71 p. (4.1MB PDF, in French)

Associations' network planning independent inspection tour to Cogéma's uranium mines in Niger

The French network "Sortir du nucléaire" (phase out nuclear) is planning to perform an independent inspection tour to the uranium mines at Arlit and Akouta, run by Cogéma's subsidiaries SOMAÏR and COMINAK.
In 2003, the independent radiation monitoring laboratory CRIIRAD had conducted a field trip to these sites, but the investigations were obstructed by local authorities (see below). Following a TV discussion on Nov. 14, 2004, Mme Lauvergeon, the president of Cogéma's parent company Areva, invited the network "Sortir du nucléaire" to visit the sites in Niger. Since the network wants to pay for the tour on its own account, it is now collecting funds for this purpose.

> View "Sortir du nucléaire" release, Feb. 14, 2005 (in French)

Independent radiation surveys at Niger uranium mines obstructed

On December 2 - 11, 2003, the independent french radiation monitoring laboratory CRIIRAD

conducted a field trip to Niger to investigate the radiological conditions around the country's uranium mines at Arlit and Akouta. The mines are operated by Cogema's subsidiaries SOMAÏR and COMINAK.
Since all radiation monitoring equipment was confiscated upon arrival at the Niamey airport, only few investigations could be performed. The team noted the nearly total absence of any form of waste management, with the waste rock deposits and uranium mill tailings dumps exposed, releasing radioactive dust into the environment. Moreover, the team noted the absence of effective restrictions for the reuse of contaminated metal scrap by nearby residents. (CRIIRAD 18 Dec. 2003)
In a press release dated Dec. 23, 2003, Cogema did not dispute the dust hazard from the open pit mines and the waste rock deposits, but claimed that any dose received by residents would meet the 1 mSv/a standard. Metal scrap would only be released into the public domain after radiation checks; Cogema were, however, working on a program to prevent theft of metal scrap.

South Africa

General · Ezulwini · Dominion Reefs · Stilfontain Tailings · Vaal river area

> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Decommissioning Projects · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

General

South African gold/uranium mines causing excessive uranium concentrations in streams and stream sediments

> See here

Regulator withholds report on serious contamination of water and food from mining activities in Gauteng

> See here

10,000 miners exposed to excess radiation doses

The Council for Nuclear Safety (CNS) estimates that at least 10,000 mineworkers, or roughly one in 20 mineworkers, have been exposed to radiation levels that exceeded safety limits.

In 1998, according to CNS estimates, 1 000 employees at Harmony Gold mine were exposed to radiation levels that in some instances were three times higher than the annual dose limit of 20 mSv a year. At Nigel, workers were exposed to dose levels of up to 130 mSv a year, or seven times higher than the allowable limit. (Business Report Oct. 7, 1999)

Stilfontain tailings reprocessing project

> View deposit info

AngloGold Stilfontein tailings recovery plant charged with radioactive contamination: AngloGold Ashanti has been charged with contaminating water and "ongoing pollution" in Stilfontein by the Federation for Sustainable Environment . According to Mariette Liefferink, head of the Federation for Sustainable Environment, a massive spillage occurred in late December at the Stilfontein facility. (Mail & Guardian Jan. 8, 2013)

Buffelsfontein Mine Waste Solutions tailings reprocessing project sold to Anglogold: On July 20, 2012, First Uranium Corp announced the completion of the sale of Mine Waste Solutions to AngloGold Ashanti Limited.

Processing of first legacy tailings dam in Stilfontein area completed in Mine Waste Solutions tailings project: On Jan. 23, 2012, Mine Waste Solutions announced that "the crucial first step in the process of rehabilitating a series of 15 'legacy' tailings dams in the Stilfontein area, a result of decades of mining operations, has been achieved with the completion of the clean-up of a strategic site alongside the N12 highway near the town." [...] "The tailings dam next to the N12 highway has long been a source of dust pollution and concern within the community. The footprint of the site, known locally as the number two dam, covers approximately 160 hectares on a dolomite area," says Melt Marais, Environmental Manager at Mine Waste Solutions.

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Ezulwini mine

> View deposit info

Operations suspended at Ezulwini mine

On Oct. 16, 2012, Gold One International Limited announced that "operations at Ezulwini will be suspended for at least 30 days. This is to ensure the safety and security of employees and assets amidst rising intimidation and tension within the national mining sector."

Striking workers at Ezulwini mine dismissed

On Oct. 9, 2012, Gold One International Limited announced that "on 9 October 2012, following appropriate disciplinary procedures, the company dismissed approximately 1,435 of the total 1,900 employees at its Ezulwini Operation."

Striking workers at Ezulwini mine suspended

On Oct. 3, 2012, Gold One International Limited announced that "the company issued suspension notices to illegally striking workers at its Ezulwini operation, after repeated requests for workers to return to work were ignored."

Gold One acquires Ezulwini mine

On 3 August 2012, Gold One International Limited

announced that the acquisition of First Uranium Limited, the holding company of Ezulwini Mining Company (Pty) Limited, was completed on 1 August 2012. Ezulwini will form part of the Cooke Underground Operations.

Russian group bids for Ezulwini gold/uranium mine

Russian billionaire Victor Vekselberg's Renova

Group made a joint bid with South Africa's Waterpan Mining Consortium for a mine controlled by First Uranium Corp. (FIU), trumping an earlier offer. Konstantin Sadovnik, a director of Renova's Transalloys (Pty) Ltd. unit, said today in an e-mail that his company and Waterpan bid for the Ezulwini gold and uranium mine in South Africa. (Bloomberg Apr. 20, 2012)

Half of workforce at Ezulwini mine to be fired in response to fatal accidents' "impact on employee morale and productivity" (!)

"The extremely unfortunate fatal accidents in the latter half of the calendar year have had a significant impact on employee morale and productivity, and as such the expected improvement in production has not been forthcoming. We will, therefore, as required under South African labour laws, give notice today pursuant to Section 189(3) of SALRA in order to allow for contemplated possible employee reductions at the mine as part of developing a new operating plan that will focus on mining more profitable areas of the mine and reducing fixed costs in-line with the scale of the operation. The new operating plan may result in up to 1,850 employees being affected. The operation currently employs approximately 3,745 people." (First Uranium Corp. Dec. 19, 2011)

Another miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

"It is with deep regret that First Uranium Corporation today announced that a fall of ground has claimed the life of an underground employee at its Ezulwini Mine. The incident occurred on 48 level in an O-line stoping panel." (First Uranium Corp. Nov. 14, 2011)

Another miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

"First Uranium Corporation with deep regret announced today that a fall of ground accident has claimed the life of a rock drill operator at its Ezulwini Mine. The incident occurred on 13 September 2011 on number 50 level." (First Uranium Corp. Sep. 13, 2011)

Another fatal accident at Ezulwini mine

"First Uranium Corporation has regrettably announced that on August 11, 2011 a fatality occurred at the Ezulwini mine." (First Uranium Corp. Aug. 12, 2011)

Uranium plant at Ezulwini mine restarted after repairs

Yellow cake production re-commenced on April 12, 2011, and production build-up to planned levels is expected to occur over the next few weeks. (First Uranium Corporation Apr. 19, 2011)

Another miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

On March 14, 2011, First Uranium Corp. announced that on March 12, 2011 a fall of ground accident occurred on 33 level underground at the Ezulwini gold mine that has claimed the life of an employee. A temporary work stoppage instruction has been issued by the Department of Mineral Resources, pursuant to section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (South Africa), until such time as a preliminary investigation has been completed.

Miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

A miner has died after a fall of ground at the Ezulwini mine in Westonaria, outside Johannesburg, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Tuesday (Nov. 16). "A mineworker lost his life (in the early hours of Tuesday morning) at the Rand Uranium's Ezulwini mine in Gauteng after a fall of ground," said NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka. (Independent Online Nov. 16, 2010)

Ezulwini uranium plant temporarily closed for repair works

On Aug. 31, 2010, First Uranium Corporation announced that it has temporarily closed its Ezulwini Uranium plant to replace two columns in the Ion Exchange section, following a structural failure on a loading column. The plant will be closed while two columns are designed, manufactured, installed and commissioned. The work is expected to be complete by year end.
On Jan. 27, 2011, First Uranium Corp. announced that that re-commissioning of the uranium plant is expected by the end of March 2011.

Worker dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

First Uranium on Friday (Sep. 18) reported a fatality at its Ezulwini mine, in South Africa. First Uranium spokesperson Bob Tait said that there was an unexpected fall of ground in the area where underground crews were installing permanent supports in a stope on the 45 level of the Middle Elsburg Reef horizon, which is the uranium and gold ore body at the Ezulwini mine. (Mining Weekly Sep. 18, 2009)
First Uranium Corp. said on Friday it suspended operations at its Ezulwini mine in South Africa after a worker was killed in an incident. "Our plants continue to operate on inventory in the silos," First Uranium spokesman Bob Tait said, adding the company's focus would be to investigate the cause of the incident, which happened on Thursday. (Reuters Sep. 18, 2009)
Mining resumed on Sep. 21, 2009. (Business Report Sep. 22, 2009)

> View older issues · decommissioning issues

Dominion Reefs mine

> View deposit info

Dominion mine restarted by new owner; uranium production to begin "shortly"

Shiva Uranium Ltd. began gold output and plans to produce uranium "shortly" at the South African Dominion mine it bought from Uranium One Inc. last year. “We're looking at very shortly starting up the uranium processing plant,” Jagdish Parekh, chief executive officer of Hartbeesfontein, South Africa-based Shiva said by phone from Pretoria today. (Bloomberg Jan. 26, 2011)

Dominion mine to be restarted by new owner

A new start-up for the stranded Dominion uranium operation which was placed on care-and-maintenance by Uranium One in 2008 is expected before month-end. The expected restart is set to be effected by the new owner, the Zuma-linked Shiva Uranium

. (Mining Weekly May 14, 2010)

Dominion mine sold

On May 10, 2010, Uranium One announced the completion in April 2010 of the sale of the Dominion Uranium Project.

Dominion mine shut down for poor economics

On Oct. 22, 2008, Uranium One Inc. announced its decision to place the Dominion Uranium Project on care and maintenance. The decision "reflects the significant deterioration in the Project's economics associated with the continuing decline in uranium prices over the last year and significant inflation-related increases in Project costs, together with a slower than expected ramp-up in development and production."

Uranium One suspends Dominion mine operations upon strike

On Oct. 10, 2008, Uranium One Inc. announced that it has temporarily suspended mine operations at the Dominion Uranium Project in South Africa. According to the company, this action follows labour disruptions this week at the project, which culminated in a general illegal strike.

Workers go on strike against poor working conditions at Klerksdorp uranium mine

On July 11, 2008, workers at Uranium One's mine near Klerksdorp in the North West are to march against poor working conditions, police said. Superintendent Lesego Metsi said the march had not started yet and police were on the scene to ensure everything went off peacefully. "Workers are going to stop operations and march against poor working conditions, treatment of workers at the mines and salary increases." "It is not a strike action as far as we know. It is just a protest by workers to take their demands to management," he said. (Pretoria News July 11, 2008)

Production forecast cut for Dominion Reefs mine

Uranium One slashed its 2008 production forecast for the Dominion mine due to slow underground development. The mine produced only 171,000 pounds U3O8 [65.8 t U] in 2007 and is scheduled to produce 590,000 pounds [227 t U] in 2008. It was previously estimated to produce 2 million pounds [769 t U] in 2008. The company had been planning to produce an average of 3.8 million pounds [1,462 t U] per year by 2011 from the mine, but further delays will push this timeline back. (Resource Investor Feb. 21, 2008)

Stormwater dam fails at Dominion Reefs uranium mine

About 100 million litres of water was spilled from Uranium One's Dominion Reefs uranium mine near Klerksdorp on Dec. 8, 2007, when a section of the dam wall broke after a heavy rainstorm. But Robert van Niekerk, Uranium One vice-president for Africa and Europe, dismissed concerns that the water might be radioactive. "Preliminary tests on the water in the veld and the Jagspruit have showed that it does not hold any danger for flora and fauna. The quality of the water is consistent with that of the Jagspruit, at any time of the year," said Van Niekerk. The water in the dam that caved in, was apparently only stormwater. The walls of the nearby silt (tailings) dam did not break. Van Niekerk said about 58 mm of rain fell in half an hour in the afternoon of Dec. 8, 2007. There were also heavy rains earlier in the week. The dam level rose rapidly. When the dam overflowed, a section of the wall caved in. (Beeld Dec. 10, 2007)

> View older issues

Vaal river area

> View deposit info

AngloGold plans to expand its South Uranium plant

In the short term AngloGold wants to lift uranium production from 1.3-million pounds U₃O₈ [500 t U] a year to 2-million pounds U₃O₈ [769 t U]. It could generate 1.4-million pounds U₃O₈ [538 t U] of uranium this year, accounting for nearly all of South Africa's uranium production. AngloGold plans to expand its South Uranium plant to handle increased volumes from its Kopanang mine, which has higher uranium grades and volumes than the Great Noligwa mine, which is nearing the end of its life, Robbie Lazare, executive vice-president in charge of South Africa, said last week. (Business Day Sep. 6, 2010)

AngloGold plans new uranium plant at Kopanang mine

AngloGold Ashanti was planning a new R1-billion-plus uranium expansion at the Kopanang mine to take production to more than two-million pounds U₃O₈ [769 t U] a year, AngloGold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifani said. Uranium production was up another 5% to 369,000 lb U₃O₈ [142 t U] in the quarter, in line with AngloGold Ashanti's 1.4-million pounds U₃O₈ [538 t U] full-year target from the present 1.2-million pounds U₃O₈ [462 t U]. (Mining Weekly May 15, 2009)

AngloGold Ashanti cancels uranium delivery contracts

On July 14, 2008, AngloGold Ashanti announced that it has "cancelled 1.0 million pounds U₃O₈ of its outstanding uranium contracts, which together with the deliveries effected since the start of the year, represents a reduction of 30% of uranium contracts that were outstanding as at 1 January 2008. This cancellation, which will result in a one-off pre-tax charge of US$32 million against second quarter's adjusted headline earnings, will result in the company beginning to participate in the uranium spot market from 2009."

AngloGold offers to process waste containing uranium for rivals

AngloGold Ashanti was "happy" to process mine waste containing uranium for rivals as record prices spur them to extract the nuclear fuel, the gold producer has said. "We'd be happy to use our plant to toll-treat their material on a commercial basis," chief executive Bobby Godsell said. AngloGold, which produces uranium as a by-product of gold mining, owns one of South Africa's only operational plants that can process the metal. Smaller rivals Gold Fields, Harmony Gold Mining and First Uranium are investigating ways to extract uranium left behind in waste dumps across the Witwatersrand and Free State gold fields. (Business Report May 4, 2007)

AngloGold plans uranium output increase

AngloGold Ashanti may raise annual uranium production to between 1,000 and 1,100 metric tons from about 700 tons currently, Steve Lenahan, a spokesman for the Johannesburg-based company, said in an interview. The company currently produces uranium as a byproduct of gold mining at its Great Noligwa mine in South Africa and expects to boost output when its Moab Khotsong mine opens.
The company is also studying whether to upgrade a processing plant so that it can process ore from the Kopanang dump, Lenahan said. (Business Report April 4, 2006)

AngloGold Ashanti is planning to increase the amount of uranium produced as a byproduct from its gold mining operations in the Vaal River area. AngloGold plans to increase its current production of 900 to 1,000 tonnes of uranium a year by developing its new Moab Khotsong gold mine, where it expects to move into areas of higher-grade uranium. (MineWeb Jan. 20, 2005)

HOME WISE Uranium Project > Mining & Milling > Issues >

Issues at Operating Uranium Mines and Mills - Africa

Contents:

Water supply for Namibia's uranium mines reduced by 25% in view of water shortage in central coastal area

Water crisis in Swakopmund; uranium mines also affected

Police seizes 170 kg of stolen uranium

Erongo Region faces serious water shortage; Rössing and Langer Heinrich uranium mines temporarily without water

Paladin Energy secures financing for stage 3 expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine

Langer Heinrich mine expansion hit by strike

Feasibility study commenced for Stage 4 expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine

Uranium miner Paladin Energy refuses disclosure of carbon footprint

Paladin reports doubling of ore reserve of Langer Heinrich deposit

Paladin targets first uranium deliveries to China in 2011

Water supply expansion proposal for Langer Heinrich uranium mine

Paladin plans further massive expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine, including heap leaching

Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed expansion project at Langer Heinrich mine

Paladin approves further expansion of Langer Heinrich uranium mine

Paladin reports large resource upgrade for Langer Heinrich deposit

Langer Heinrich uranium mine expansion project

Intervention after sulphuric acid spill at Langer Heinrich mine leads to explosions

Langer Heinrich mine flooded after rainstorm

Langer Heinrich mine reaches designed production level

France to send special forces to protect Areva's uranium mines in Niger

NGO Sherpa terminates agreement with Areva on health monitoring around its mining sites in Niger and Gabon

French and Nigerien activists create anti-uranium network

Areva to monitor health of Niger uranium mine workers

European Parliament commissions study on use of radioactively contaminated material from uranium mines in building construction in Gabon and Niger

Akouta / Arlit

Suicide bombers strike Areva's Arlit uranium mine

Workers on strike at Areva's Akouta uranium mine

Protests in Niger against Areva

Niger in negotiations to rebalance partnership with Areva

1,600 tonnes of scrap metal from Areva's uranium mines in Niger entered the public domain - with some lots radioactive

Areva takes legal action against "defamatory" statement of anti-nuclear activist

Areva receives "Pinocchio Award" for environmental impact of its uranium mines in Niger

Niger considers partnership with Areva "very unbalanced"

Workers strike at Areva's Arlit uranium mine

Workers at Areva's Akouta uranium mine begin 72-hour strike

Areva condemned for lung cancer death of former employee at Akouta uranium mine in Niger

Volcanic-like activity near Arlit uranium mining district

Areva releases reply to Greenpeace report on impacts of its uranium mines in Niger

Dam failure of retention basin spills 200 cubic metres of uranium-containing liquids at Arlit mine

Niger citizens file class action in USA against Areva

Seven foreigners, including one Areva employee, kidnapped in uranium mining town Arlit

Areva restarts uranium recovery from low grade ores by heap leaching at Arlit

Greenpeace accuses Areva of neglecting health of Nigeriens

Protests over circumstances of Areva's uranium mining activities in Niger

Greenpeace survey still finds excessive radiation levels in Niger's uranium mining towns

Environmental impacts of coal mining for electricity supply to uranium mines (Niger)

French court to decide on discrimination of Niger Tuareg by Areva

NGOs urge Areva to respect the environment and the health of the residents at its uranium mines in Niger

Niger's Tuareg rebels demand share of uranium revenue

Niger Tuareg rebels seize 4 French uranium workers

Gunmen attack uranium lorry in Niger

Hundreds march in Niger against Areva

Niger civil society claims US$ 640 million from AREVA in damages

Head of Areva Niger expelled

Niger rebels attack power plant in uranium mining area

NGOs demand immediate removal of radioactive material found in the streets of Akokan

Niger government probes reports on health hazards from uranium mines

Areva/Cogéma receives rather poor rating for environmental issues at Niger uranium mines

Cogéma launches health study at uranium mine sites in Niger

CRIIRAD releases studies on impacts of uranium mining in Niger

IRSN releases study on environmental impacts of Cogéma's uranium mines in Niger

Associations' network planning independent inspection tour to Cogéma's uranium mines in Niger

Independent radiation surveys at Niger uranium mines obstructed

South African gold/uranium mines causing excessive uranium concentrations in streams and stream sediments

Regulator withholds report on serious contamination of water and food from mining activities in Gauteng

Operations suspended at Ezulwini mine

Striking workers at Ezulwini mine dismissed

Striking workers at Ezulwini mine suspended

Gold One acquires Ezulwini mine

Russian group bids for Ezulwini gold/uranium mine

Half of workforce at Ezulwini mine to be fired in response to fatal accidents' "impact on employee morale and productivity" (!)

Another miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

Another miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

Another fatal accident at Ezulwini mine

Uranium plant at Ezulwini mine restarted after repairs

Another miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

Miner dies in fall-of-ground accident at Ezulwini mine

Ezulwini uranium plant temporarily closed for repair works