Africa Update
Published by MAC on 2007-09-10Source: Mines and Communities
Africa update
10th September 2007
As UK mining bucaneer and ex-cricketer, Phil Edmunds, is forced to abandon his takeover bid for DRC's Katanga Mining, so the hawks begin to hover …
One of the world's largest sources of uranium, Niger is also one of the world's most impoverished states. In recent months, the government has accused Areva (which formerly included Cogema) of backing a Tuareg rebel movement. Just over a week ago, citizens demanded that the French company be forced to leave.
However, numerous other uranium mining outfits, from China, India, South Africa and the US, are lining up to take Areva's place, while conditions at the mines remain parlous for workers and neighbouring citizens.