Responsible uranium extraction in Niger

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AREVA produces 3,000 tons of uranium every year on the Arlit site through the companies COMINAK and SOMAÏR. A look at a desert town where economic activity, revolving round the mines, is accompanied by a concern for the education and health of the population, and environmental protection.

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Responsible uranium extraction in Niger

AREVA produces 3,000 tons of uranium every year on the Arlit site through the companies COMINAK and SOMAÏR. A look at a desert town where economic activity, revolving round the mines, is accompanied by a concern for the education and health of the population, and environmental protection.
5/1/2009 - 13:01 min

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The Ecarpière site: rehabilitation and monitoring

Aerial view of the redeveloped Ecarpière site

The former uranium mining site of Ecarpière, in France’s Loire-Atlantique region, has been completely reclaimed. It is now subject to monitoring.

AREVA operated a uranium mine at the Ecarpière site in France’s Loire-Atlantique region until 1990.

In addition to the underground and open-pit uranium mine, the site also hosted an ore processing plant, which ceased operations in March 1991.

Work to rehabilitate the site took place from 1989 to October 1996.

A site subject to environmental monitoring

A team of 3 people, based at Ecarpière, is currently responsible for environmental monitoring and water treatment. This team also provides monitoring for 25 sites operated by the Vendée Mining business group and 18 legacy mining sites in Brittany.

The Ecarpière site was included in the scope of the ISO 14001 certification for the Bessines establishment. This international certification guarantees compliance with the most stringent environmental standards.

Visits are arranged by appointment.

A second life for the former Ecarpière mine site

In December 2011, AREVA and JUWI, a company specialized in renewable energies, signed a construction lease agreement to set up a photovoltaic park on the former Ecarpière mine site.

Thousand of solar panels will be installer on a 12 hectare (~30 acre) plot to produce some 5000 MWh per year. This photovoltaic park will produce sufficient green energy to supply a town of 3500 inhabitants.