Uranium mining activities in Africa

Traditionally, African uranium is mined in Namibia, Niger and South Africa. Yet, also in other African countries uranium has been mined. The uranium used for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima came from a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From the start of the 21st century, various foreign companies are exploring for and exploiting uranium in various African countries.

Who is mining uranium in Africa?
The largest European companies involved in uranium mining in Africa are Rio Tinto (UK / Australia) and Areva (France). Rio Tinto has operations in Namibia and South Africa. Areva has activities in 10 African countries (see the overview below). This makes Areva the most active and largest uranium mining company in Africa. Areva operates mines in Niger and Namibia and is exploring for uranium in the Central African Republic (CAR), the DRC, South Africa, Morocco, Mauritania, and Guinea. Furthermore, the company has activities in Gabon and Senegal.

The most important non-European uranium mining company in Africa is Paladin (Australia). Paladin has operations in Namibia and Malawi.