Prior to this, Areva also gained a concession in nearby Imouraren, which is hoped to double or triple their production in Niger.
It is the site of a uranium mining project involving French company Areva and SOPaMin (Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger on behalf of the government of Niger).
Uranium deposits were also discovered in sandstone formations in other locations in Niger such as at Abokurum (1959), Madaouela (1963), Arlette, Ariege, Artois and Tassa/Taza (1965), Imouraren (1966) and Akouta (1967).