CAR seeks uranium mine deal with Areva

[Reuters, 22 October] The president of Central African Republic (CAR), Francois Bozize, said that the Bakouma uranium mine was acquired by France's Areva without the consent of the CAR government. Speaking to Jeune Afrique magazine, he said that if a negotiated settlement is not reached with Areva, CAR would take the matter to the courts. In July, Areva acquired UraMin, whose assets included an exploration contract for Bakouma. However, CAR is contesting Areva's takeover of the Bakouma contract as "irregular", arguing that the terms of the agreement previously signed with UraMin required the government's consent for any change. Bozize said, "Areva went on to acquire UraMin without our consent. So that's where the blockage is." He indicated that CAR expected Areva to offer improved terms or some kind of additional payment for taking over the Bakouma contract. Bozize noted that other African countries, such as Niger and Namibia, has obtained newly negotiated deals from Areva.

Further information

Areva

WNA's Uranium in Africa information paper