Niger: an agreement to restart uranium mining

Niger has signed a new agreement with Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO) to restart uranium extraction in the northern part of the country. MAMICO is 60% owned by Australian group Atomic Eagle and 40% by the Nigerien government. The deal includes an initial royalty of 10 million dollars, investments in local development and capacity building, and the creation of around 1,000 jobs for young Nigeriens. This move aligns with the military authorities’ efforts since the 2023 coup to strengthen control over natural resources, amid tensions with France and the French group Orano.