Morocco: AREVA and OCP sign mining cooperation agreement

10/23/2007
Press release

AREVA CEO Anne Lauvergeon and Mustafa Terrab, CEO of the Office Cherifien des Phosphates, a Moroccan conglomerate of mining and chemical industries, have signed an agreement to develop their cooperation and research initiatives in the field of natural uranium.
The signing coincided with the state visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Morocco, and covers extraction of uranium contained in phosphoric acid manufactured using Moroccan phosphate ore. AREVA and the OCP hope this agreement will add an industrial dimension to their scientific cooperation, which dates back to 2005.

Phosphates are a promising source of uranium, whose market is enjoying sustained growth. IAEA figures put Morocco’s uranium resources in phosphate deposits at around 6 million tons, which corresponds to twice the world’s resources in uranium deposits.
AREVA and the OCP plan to launch a joint study into the feasibility of an industrial site producing uranium from phosphoric acid.

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With manufacturing facilities in 41 countries and a sales network in more than 100 countries, AREVA offers customers reliable technological solutions for CO2-free power generation and electricity transmission and distribution. We are the world leader in nuclear power and the only company to cover all industrial activities in this field. Our 61.000 employees are committed to continuous improvement on a daily basis, making sustainable development the focal point of the group’s industrial strategy. AREVA’s businesses help meet the 21st century’s greatest challenges: making energy available to all, protecting the planet, and acting responsibly towards future generations. www.areva.com 

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