Work begins on Niger uranium mine

Niamey, 5 May-(ANA)-Work on what will become the world's second largest uranium mine has begun in the West African state of Niger.

After it opens in three years' time the $1.5bn (£1bn) mine is expected to yield 5,000 tonnes of uranium per year.

French nuclear energy company Areva is building the mine and will take a majority share in it.

Niger is one of the world's poorest countries and the export of uranium provides one of its few sources of foreign currency.

The open pit mine at Imouraren will employ 1,400 people and more than double Niger's current uranium exports.

The mine is in the north of Niger, home to the semi-nomadic Tuareg people.

France keeps close ties with its former colony and uranium from Niger is vital to its nuclear energy programme.

Areva already has other mines in the landlocked sub-Saharan country.(ANA)

FA/ANA/5 May 2009---