Azelik Mining Company prepares to resume operations in Ingall
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Aïr Info
The Société des mines d’Azelik (SOMINA) is preparing to resume its operations in Ingall, in the Agadez region, after a working session with Niger’s Minister of Mines. The discussions covered environmental standards, radiation protection, safety and the expected benefits for local populations, according to Aïr Info.
Niger’s Minister of Mines, Abarchi Ousmane, examined on 12 November in Ingall the preparations needed for the resumption of activities by the Société des mines d’Azelik (SOMINA), including environmental standards, radiation protection and the safety of facilities, according to Aïr Info.
The discussions also covered the expected benefits for local populations, particularly youth employment and access to social services. The minister asked that the commitments made and the standards in force be respected before production resumes, Aïr Info reports.
During the same mission to Agadez, the minister launched on 11 November work on an industrial salt production unit supported by the Société du patrimoine des mines du Niger (SOPAMIN). The project is based on a deposit announced to have 192 million tonnes of reserves, of which around 25 million are recoverable, and aims to produce up to 40,000 tonnes of salt per year in three phases.
In Tiguidan Tesum, producers of salt intended for animal feed also presented their difficulties, including damage caused by water. The communities met also requested health and school infrastructure and reported a shortage of grazing land, according to Aïr Info.
