Prior to this, Areva also gained a concession in nearby Imouraren, which is hoped to double or triple their production in Niger.
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The commune of Ugine says Cezus is the worldwide number one in zirconium.
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Areva NC's Niger operations consist of three concessions near the town of Arlit, runs as joint ventures with (minority) stakeholders from the Nigerian government and smaller foreign investors.
Western journalists have also claimed that the NRIC was previously drafted into use as security for the French conglomerate Areva NC's Uranium mines in Arlit, northern Niger.