Niger is in

[25 A] [26 A] 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 mine is expected to yield 5,000 tons 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.