Niger SinoU's first major overseas investment was in the Azelik uranium project in
Niger, a joint venture with the Nigerien state-owned mining company, Société des mines d'Azelik (SOMINA). The project, located at Teguida, was intended to break the four-decade monopoly of French nuclear firm
Areva (now
Orano) in Niger's uranium sector. SinoU signed an agreement in 2007 and began development of the Azelik uranium mine and processing plant, with initial production originally targeted for 2010. However, progress was hampered by security issues linked to the
Second Tuareg Rebellion. In July 2007, a SinoU official was kidnapped by Tuareg rebels and later released, prompting the suspension of site activities in August 2007. Despite these challenges, limited production at Azelik began in 2011, although the site never reached full design capacity. The project has since faced financing constraints, falling uranium prices, and governance issues.
Namibia SinoU has also participated in early-stage exploration activities in
Namibia, another uranium-rich country. While no producing assets have yet emerged, the company has expressed long-term interest in expanding its portfolio in southern Africa to complement its Niger operations. == References ==