Auranium mining company operating in Arlit city in Niger has been accused of adopting inadequate safety measures, following findings that the radioactive metal was harming the local population.
The company, Cogema Resources Inc, is part of a French government-owned group, which is one of the largest suppliers of uranium in the world. It has been mining for three decades but local environmental groups only recently found the link between the mines and a number of diseases being caused by radioactive dust.
A French nuclear watchdog,
criirad, has said that not enough measures were being taken to seal the radioactive scrap metal in the area. Cogema, however, claims that safety standards had been upgraded in 2003.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.