A military junta has taken control of the government in Niger, after toppling President Mamadou Tandja on Feb. 18. The coup raises questions for foreign investors with an interest in Niger's uranium deposits — among the most extensive in the world. France's state-owned Areva nuclear power company has a long history of operating uranium mines in Niger, but the government also has warmed in recent years to overtures from China. Beijing has not begun uranium production in Niger yet but has won exploration rights for the Azelik and Tegiudda deposits.
