The NGO Oxfam denounces an unbalanced partnership between Areva and Niger

The NGO Oxfam denounces an unbalanced partnership between Areva and Niger

The partnership between Areva and Niger , where the giant French nuclear extract almost 40 % of its uranium , is very unfavorable to poor African countries denounced the NGO Oxfam , while both parties renegotiate the contract between them . " In France , a three bulb is illuminated through the Niger uranium in Niger , nearly 90 % of the population has no access to electricity. " Says the Oxfam report " Areva in Niger to who benefits from the uranium? " , released Friday, Nov. 22 .
Between 1971 and 2010 , the latest year for which figures are available , Areva and his ancestors the Office of Atomic Energy and Cogema extracted 114,346 tons of uranium from Niger , Oxfam says , based on data from the World nuclear Association. But the Nigerian government should have touched on this period that CFAF 300 billion (approximately EUR 459 million ) , only 13% of the estimated 2,300 billion CFA francs (more than 3 total export value 5 billion euros) , Oxfam observes , based on a study of Dutch NGOs Somo .




"It is incomprehensible that the Niger fourth largest uranium producer in the world and a strategic supplier of Areva and France , do not draw more income from such exploitation and remains one of the poorest countries on the planet " notes Anne -Sophie Simpere , Oxfam France , the author of this survey. The weakness of this redistribution is particularly linked to important exemptions - customs duties , VAT , taxes on fuel - enjoyed Areva in Niger and which the French group must renounce Oxfam calls .

OTHER SIDE OF HIS BELL AREVA

A spokesman for Areva presented very different numbers. " For forty years , the State of Niger received 871 million euros , that is to say 85% of direct revenue , Areva € 129 million, or 13 %, and € 24 million for direct foreign partners , or 2% , has he explained .
It is important to recognize that two uranium mines can only finance the economic development of a country of over 17 million people . "

In 2012 , 70% of total revenue went to the State of Niger , 27% ​​Areva and other foreign partners remaining 3% , has he added. The operation of the Niger uranium contract expires on 31 December 2013. Renegotiation causes an intense arm wrestling between Niamey and Areva, which the French state owns a more than 80 %.