Duel in the dunes

Who holds the cards?
The uranium is mined by Areva, which is 80% owned by the French state – a country that now generates 75% of its power using nuclear energy. The deal that has just expired is typical of the very generous concessions granted in a series of contracts by the former French colony to its former imperial master dating back 40 years.

According to Radio France Internationale, the fiscal exemptions that are granted to Areva are nearly €22-30m per annum

Areva has steadfastly refused to accept the new mining code. Production at the two mines near Arlit was suspended in mid-December for more than a month, officially for maintenance purposes, but the move was regarded by local unions as a tactic to put pressure on the government to move to a conclusion of the negotiations. Certainly it put considerable pressure on the government led by Mamadou Issifou.