Overview of Mining Infrastructure in Niger

AREVA's development of the Imouraren uranium deposit represents a significant investment in mining infrastructure, with an estimated expenditure of 1.2 billion euros (approximately US$ 1.5 billion). The infrastructure investment includes not only the necessary equipment to reach the projected 5,000 tonnes of uranium per year output, but AREVA says that part of its 1.2 billion euros (approximately US$ 1.6 billion) investment will constitute a contribution to transport, energy and water infrastructure for local populations. Niger's existing infrastructure takes uranium ore from both underground and open-pit mining operations. AREVA's facilities treat and purify the ore to produce sodium urinate - more commonly referred to as 'yellowcake', which is then exported.

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