Niger backs Global Atomic’s Dasa uranium project amid talks with Algeria to establish export corridor

Canada-based uranium developer Global Atomic Corporation (TSX: GLO, OTCQX: GLATF, FRANKFURT: G12) said it had secured renewed political backing from Niger’s military-led government for the Dasa uranium project, as the West African state seeks to strengthen mining investment and expand trade links following its post-coup diplomatic realignment.

The company said on May 26 that members of its executive team, led by chief executive Stephen Roman, met Niger President General Abdourahamane Tiani, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and Mines Minister Ousmane Abarchi during a visit to Niamey and the Dasa project site earlier this month.

The meetings come as uranium markets remain supported by growing global interest in nuclear power, driven by energy-security concerns and rising electricity demand linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure and decarbonisation policies.

Global Atomic said the Dasa project, operated by Société Minière de Dasa (SOMIDA), remains the country’s largest active mining development project. SOMIDA is owned 80% by Global Atomic and 20% by the Nigerien government.

According to the company, government representatives serving on the SOMIDA board visited the Dasa site for the first time during the trip, where they reviewed underground development works, construction progress and local employment levels.

“The site visit solidified Government support for the Project and Dasa’s importance to Niger,” Roman said in a statement issued by the company.

Following the meetings, President Tiani issued a letter of support to Global Atomic in which he described Dasa as “a major strategic investment” for Niger due to its expected contribution to employment, infrastructure and mineral-resource development.

The Nigerien president also instructed ministries and government agencies to support the project “in a spirit of a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership,” according to the company.

The renewed backing comes as Niger continues to reposition its mining and foreign-investment relationships after the July 2023 military coup, which triggered tensions with Western governments and regional bloc ECOWAS.

Niger is one of the world’s key uranium-producing states and its mining sector has historically been dominated by French nuclear-fuel company Orano S.A. (EPA: ORA), formerly Areva.

Global Atomic said executives also held talks with Foreign Minister Yaou Sangaré and Paul Houston, chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in Niger.

The company added that a recent cooperation agreement between Niger and Algeria could potentially create a new export corridor linking the Dasa mine to Mediterranean ports, although no formal uranium export framework or infrastructure agreement has yet been announced.

“This is an exciting new development,” Roman said. “The road from Dasa to the Algerian border is short and the roads and security in Algeria are top notch.”

The Dasa deposit, located in Niger’s Agadez region within the Tim Mersoï Basin, was discovered in 2010 and received mining permits in 2020. Underground development and mining activities at the project began in 2022, although commercial uranium production has not yet started.

According to the company’s feasibility studies, Dasa is expected to become one of Africa’s highest-grade uranium mines, with planned annual production of several million pounds of uranium concentrate over its projected mine life.

Global Atomic has described Dasa as one of the world’s most advanced greenfield uranium projects currently under development.

Beyond uranium, the company also owns a 49% stake in the Befesa Silvermet Turkey joint venture in Iskenderun, Turkey, which recycles electric arc furnace dust into zinc oxide concentrate. The venture is operated by Befesa Zinc S.A.U.