Responsible uranium extraction in Niger
"Rapport environnemental SOMAÏR 2006" [FR]
Guaranteed supply for 20 years
AREVA's mining activities
The Mining business group covers the activities of exploration, extraction and processing of uranium ore, as well as the reclaiming and monitoring of sites after they have been mined. After the identification of new uranium deposits, the ore is extracted using various methods: open-pit mining, underground mining or in-situ recovery. The ore is then processed in plants near the extraction sites. AREVA also produces gold through its subsidiary La Mancha, founded in 2006.
Exploration: finding new uranium deposits
The first stage in AREVA's mining activities, exploration consists of identifying new uranium deposits. Viability must then be verified.
Extracting uranium ore
Ore extraction is carried out using different techniques. Every effort is made to guarantee staff safety.
Processing: from ore to "yellow cake"
Once extracted, uranium ore is transported to a processing plant. We then obtain concentrated uranium, or "yellow cake".
The rehabilitation of former mining sites
This industrial activity requires specialized know-how. The French government entrusted AREVA with upgrading all such sites across the country.
