2 - Uranium mining in Niger / Areva

Question 1

Why is Uranium currently in high demand worldwide?

Answer 1

For the purpose of nuclear energy as an alternative energy source to fight climate change

Question 2

What percentage of their revenues do mining companies like Orano (previously known as Areva) need to pay the government of Niger?

Answer 2

5.5%

Question 3

What are the main issues the Nigerien population is facing due to the mining?

Answer 3

coughing, diahhea and skin disease

Question 4

What indicators were in the 2006 Human Development Index report that suggested that Niger was the poorest country in the world?

Answer 4

Life expectancy was 45 years old, 71% of adults were illiterate, and 60% of the population lived on less than $1 a day

Question 5

Why is so surprising that Niger is ranked so low in their wealth?

Answer 5

Because Niger produces over 3,000 tonnes of uranium per year

Question 6

What are some of the side effects of living in a radioactive zone?

Answer 6

Birth defects, leukemia, cancer

Question 7

What impact does their economic situation have on the peoples’ health?

Answer 7

The area doesn’t have the right equipment or expertise to properly diagnose cancer

Question 8

What are some of the environmental impacts of uranium mining?

Answer 8

deforestation and pasture loss

Question 9

What did the 2005 Sherpa investigation find?

Answer 9

• Workers were not informed on the health risks
• No basic protective equipment was provided
• Lung cancer cases were left untreated

Question 10

Why was there a rise in tension?

Answer 10

Decades of growing frustration over French domination over Uranium resources - France extracted billions in profit while only 1/7 Nigeriens had access to electricity

Question 11

What is Niger’s economic state as of 2024?

Answer 11

• Ranks 189th out of 193 countries on the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Human Development Index
• almost half of the country’s population still lives under extreme poverty

Question 12

What percentage of the population is experiencing severe food insecurity today? (2024)

Answer 12

13.1%

Question 13

What event took place in 2023 that affected the Uranium-mining industry?

Answer 13

The junta under General Abdourahamane Tchiani came to power following the 2023 military coup - took “operational control” of the uranium mining subsidiary, Somair

Question 14

How did the junta and coup affect Orano?

Answer 14

• The junta revoked the mining license of mining license of Imouraren SA (major Orano subsidiary that holds one of the world’s largest uranium deposits)
• the government is refusing to allow uranium exports

Question 15

Who holds the power?

Answer 15

Previously, prior to 2023 - Areva/Orano
Now - the junta (power over the people and their jobs + power over Orano)