Niger is currently the world’s 5th largest producer of uranium. This natural resource is used as fuel at nuclear power plants. As one of the poorest countries in the world you might think that having a rich source of this natural resource would be beneficial for the Nigerien people. However, the money earned by the Niger government from uranium mining is no where near what you might expect.
The mines themselves are run by private corporations. So the government only receives a royalty. Unfortunately the percentage that they receive is rather small. In effect, Western corporations are profiting from Niger’s resources. Not only that, they are using the Nigerien people to do the dirty work. Exposure to radon gas, which is released during uranium mining is linked to the onset of lung cancer.
SOMAÏR and COMINAK are the two mostly foreign owned mining companies responsible for uranium mining in Niger. The original agreement only requires them to pay 5.5% of the revenue they receive when they sell the uranium on the world market. Resources that just happen to be situated in Niger are being plundered by foreign corporations. This is true for many countries in Africa. Sometimes it is precious stones, like diamonds. For other countries it is metals that can be used in electronic devices such as the Playstation 3.
To encourage further mining, military support is being provided to the government in Niger. But is this really good for the population? While natural resources may seem desirable, for some countries, they can be a curse. In other words, for countries that are already dominated by foreign powers, their natural resources are just one further reason to prolong their oppression. It is not just money, but control of resources that people in power are keen to achieve.
Over the coming years, the price of uranium will increase. This does not necessarily mean that the people of Niger will profit though. Recently, new mining licences have been granted to foreign companies in Niger. Currently, the security situation means that exploration is on hold in many areas. But over the coming years, uranium, that could be sold to help the people of Niger will be mined and sold to inflate the profits of foreign multinationals.
More information: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=74738