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France’s Areva reaches uranium deal with Niger

By WTOP Staff

PARIS (AP) — French nuclear manufacturer Areva has reached a deal with Niger’s government to continue uranium mining after promising to pay more taxes and invest in local development.

Critics say the country’s uranium riches aren’t translating into wealth for its citizen and have accused Areva of exploiting Niger since it began operations in 1971. Niger is the world’s fourth-largest uranium producer.

Areva SA says in a statement that its chief executive signed a deal Monday with Niger ministers renewing its mining contracts. No financial details of the agreement were released.

Areva agreed to pay higher taxes in accordance with Niger’s 2006 mining code. Areva also promised to name Nigeriens to management positions in subsidiary companies, and invest 117 million euros in roads and development of the Irhazer valley region.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

By WTOP Staff
WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
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