Uranium: inauguration of a massive mine in Malawi

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Uranium, a case that works? While the yellow cake could eventually replace oil in the race for strategic raw materials, a huge uranium mine was inaugurated Friday in northern Malawi.

"The beginning of a new era of economic development" for this small poor country in southern Africa, if we are to believe the words of its President. Great challenge.

Paladin Africa, African subsidiary of the Australian group Paladin Energy has invested $ 220 million (166 million euros) in the Kayelekera mine. The group holds a stake of 85% while the State holds 15% stake.

The new mine, which will be operational until the end of the year was expected to produce 1,500 tonnes of uranium oxide a year over the first seven years of operation, the fuel being used in nuclear power plants.

According to the Executive Director of Paladin Africa, the site is expected to generate export revenues of over $ 150 million per year.

At his inauguration, President Mutharika said that the mine would contribute up to 10% in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 20% of export earnings of Malawi. So far, the country depends on the cultivation of tobacco (about 70% of external trade).

The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) for its part expects a boom in production of nuclear energy worldwide in the decades ahead, 50 to 60 countries considering to build power plants.

According to Hans-Holger Rogner, head of planning and economic studies of the IAEA, analyzing long-term trends in energy production, we realize that "it is not possible to do without the nuclear option. " The problem is even crucial for countries and regions that have little access to other resources. "The demand led to this development," he adds.