| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Russians Gain Foothold on Namibia’s Uranium Market
VTB, Renova and Tekhsnabexport are to set up a joint venture to produce and process uranium in Namibia, the companies have announced during a visit of Russian officials in the country. Russia has also offered Namibia a project to build a nuclear plant for the needs of the national industry and exports to South Africa.
Russian Natural Resources Minister Yury Trutnev and head of the Atomic Agency Sergey Kirienko met Namibia’s leaders last Thursday and Friday. Russia is ready to offer this African country not only the production of uranium on its territory but also the processing of uranium ore and training for local nuclear energy specialist, Russia’s chief nuclear official said.
In addition, the Renova group, VTB (former Vneshtorgbank) and Tekhsnabexport have announced the merger of their uranium assets in the country. Renova and VTB earlier won several tenders for uranium deposits and acquired licenses for exploration work.
Namibia, the world’s fifth largest uranium holder, suspended issuing licenses for extracting this material last year after a surge of interest to the industry from shady investors. Apparently, Russian officials and major companies have pulled their efforts to show that Russia’s interest is not a part of “uranium fever”.
Russian nuclear energy officials and companies have also discussed with Nambia’s Namenergy plans to build a nuclear plant in the country to export energy to South Africa. The project is still in an early stage of talks.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
