nuclear-news

In Malawi, Namibia, Niger workers making trouble for uranium mining companies

Conflicts with unions and management may have even larger impacts in the future,

Uranium Miners in Africa Facing Labor Disputes, Business Insider, Resource Investing News        | May 16, 2012, Uranium mining companies are operating in difficult environments in many jurisdictions, facing challenges ranging from regulatory compliance,
environmental delays, rising costs, and labor relations. Over the last year, the labor challenges seem to have become more accentuated for African uranium mining companies, with several companies having reporting strikes.
Political context in Malawi
Workers at Paladin Energy Ltd.‘s (TSX:PDN,ASX:PDN) Kayelekera mine in
Malawi demanded a 66 percent wage increase last week, following the
country’s move to devalue its currency by 50 percent by depegging from
the dollar. The devaluation of Malawi’s currency was designed to
improve relations with the International Monetary Fund, boost tobacco
exports – which account for around 60 percent of the country’s foreign
currency earnings – and reduce demand for imports. The uranium plant
is expected to operate at about 65 percent capacity until striking
employees return to work…..
Namibia labor problems
Last August, Paladin experienced a strike at its much larger Langer
Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia. While the Kayelekera mine
represented approximately 1.3 percent of global uranium production
last year, the Langer Heinrich operation produced 2.7 percent. The
Namibian strike was initiated by the local workforce due to grievances
related to impending layoffs.
In July 2011, Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO,NYSE:RIO,ASX:RIO) faced strike
activity at its Rossing mine in Namibia after workers rejected an
offer from management over production incentives….
Working conditions in Niger
Last month AREVA SA (EPA:AREVA) had union and labor relations problems
at its Imouraren uranium mining project in Niger. A week-long strike
resulted from a dispute with management over work conditions,
including annual vacation allotments….
mpact on broader uranium exploration interests and prices
The news related to both Namibia and Niger is potentially of the most
interest as the countries host several significant uranium mines.
Combined, they provided 16.5 percent of global uranium mining output
last year, and they boast some of Africa’s highest-grade uranium ore.
Conflicts with unions and management may have even larger impacts in
the future,

May 17, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, employment, Malawi, Namibia, Niger, Uranium