Northwestern, North Atlantic pick up Niger ground

Two Toronto-based juniors have signed deals with the government of Niger for exploration permits in that country’s uranium belt.

Northwestern Mineral Ventures (NWT-V, NWTMF-O) has received permits for the In Gall and Irhazer properties, in the north-central part of the country about 120 km west of Agadez. Each is about 2,000 sq. km in size, and covers northeast-striking faults that are believed to be prospective for uranium deposits.

North Atlantic Resources (NAC-T) takes on the Abelajouad property, a 2,000-sq.-km land package immediately to the north of Northwestern’s Irhazer. The property covers a length of the northwest-striking Arlit fault, which cuts off the northeast-striking Irhazer and In Gall faults to the east.

All three land packages lie immediately to the west of a large concession held by Cogema, part of the French energy company Areva (ARVCF-O), where the Imouraren uranium deposit is currently in production.

The Northwestern permits carry a three-year term, renewable for two more three-year periods.