IRAQ-NIGER: POSSIBLE SALE OF URANIUM FROM NIGER TO IRAQ AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR BAGHDAD'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 01397761
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 16, 2022
• Document Release Date: August 2, 2016
• Case Number: F-2007-01453
• Publication Date: February 14, 2002

Approved for Release: 2016/07/25 CO1397761
�"SMALL_
02/14/2002
SPWR021402-05
Iraq-Niger: Possible Sale of lJranium From Nieer to Iraq and its Implications for
Baghdad's Nuclear Program
Information on the alleged uranium contract between Iraq and Niger comes exclusively from
a foreign government service report that lacks crucial details, and we are working to clarsfy
the Information and to determine whether it can be corroborate& The report claims Niger
baled a contract to supply Iraq annually with 500 tons of uranium�most likely
yellowcake
Iraq is not allowed to import most radioactive material, including raw uranium
and yellowcake, under the current UN sanctions regime.
-- The retort Provides no details on when deliveries were scheduled
Some of the information in the report contradicts reporting from the US Embassy in Niamey.
US diplomats say the French Government-led consortium that operates Niger's two uranium
mines maintains complete control over uranium mining and yellowcake production.
If converted 500 tons of yellowcake could be used to produce
enough weapons-grade material for some 50 nuclear devices. Iraq's nuclear weapons program
probably could produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon by mid-decade if it obtains
significant foreign assistance or has clandestinely built the necessary fuel cycle facilities.
Iraq already has some 550 tons of
but the material
yellowcake
remains in sealed containers subject to annual IAEA inspection.
Approved for Release: 2016/07/25 CO1397761