The Nigerien government has revoked the operating permit of the Canadian company GoviEX for the Madaouéla uranium mine near Arlit due to the company’s failure to meet the start date for exploitation. The Nigerien Ministry of Mines had set a deadline for July 3, which GoviEX did not comply with, resulting in the permit’s withdrawal and the mine’s transfer to the public domain.
GoviEX disputes the decision, claiming it violates the existing mining code and threatens to challenge it in court. The company also warns of negative economic and social impacts due to the loss of job opportunities in the region.
This incident follows a similar action taken on June 19 against the French company Orano, formerly Areva, which had its permit for the Imouraren uranium deposit revoked. Orano has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Nigerien authorities. The Imouraren deposit is one of the largest uranium reserves globally, with an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium.
