Global Atomic Corporation has signed a letter of intent with CMAC-Thyssen Mining Group to collar the portal and complete initial underground development at the Dasa Uranium Project in the Republic of Niger. The selection of CMAC-Thyssen resulted from a multi-party bidding process that required bidders to have project experience in West Africa.
The box-cut excavation is scheduled to begin in January 2022 using local contractors in Niger. CMAC-Thyssen plans to mobilise to the Dasa site in February 2022. Once the box-cut excavation is complete, CMAC-Thyssen are expected to collar the portal in April 2022 thus initiating the Dasa underground development ampaign. The equipment to be employed by CMAC-Thyssen at Dasa has already been secured and a contract will be finalised once final terms are agreed to by the parties.
CMAC-Thyssen Mining Group, a well-known mine contractor from Val d’Or, Quebec, Canada, has excellent West African experience as well as the requisite French language skills for working in Niger. They are currently active on a shaft sinking project in West Africa and in recent years have worked on numerous projects in Quebec, British Columbia, Nunavut and Morocco. Clients include Glencore Canada, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, Osisko Mining Inc, Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd and Eldorado Gold Corporation.
Stephen G Roman , President and CEO commented: “Concurrent with completion of our Feasibility Study we continue to move ahead on many aspects of the Dasa Project and are gearing up to break ground in Q1 2022 as planned. We will use the expertise of CMAC Thyssen to do initial mine development, prepare stopes for long-hole mining and also train a local, Niger workforce in Canadian safety and operational standards. Global Atomic intends to build its own team to mine the uranium ore for decades to come. As a result of the closure of the Cominak mine in March 2021 , we look forward to hiring skilled personnel from this well trained work force to form the foundation of our own mining team. The benefits to Niger from the long-life Dasa Project will go a long way towards replacing the social and economic benefits lost due to the shutdown of the Cominak mine.”
“As planned, our 15,000 m drill program began this month and is currently focused on step-out drilling on strike of the Flank Zone. Other aspects of the Dasa Project actively underway include the completion of the Feasibility Study by the end of 2021, negotiations with utilities for off-take agreements, project financing arrangements and the formation of our local Mining Company in Niger, in partnership with the Government of Niger , who are extremely supportive of the Dasa Project and its potential to bring jobs and prosperity to the heart of their country.”
