In April 2025, the DASA Project reached new milestones in its implementation. After many months of earthworks and excavation, followed by the erection of steel framework, concrete pouring has begun at the sulfuric acid plant construction sites in the smelter, furnace, and sulfur filter areas, as well as at the plant’s process control laboratory construction site.

Similarly, work on the camp extension is progressing rapidly, with more than 75% of the 250-bed “Camp Lida” construction site now complete, following the commissioning of 60 senior rooms in March 2025.

SOMIDA workers took part in the May^1st 2025 Labor Day parade organized by professional organizations in Agadez under the authority of the regional governor, Brigadier General Ibrah Boulama.

This colorful parade was an opportunity for our representatives to show their pride in belonging to SOMIDA and participating in the construction of this great Industrial Site which is already the pride of the region.

Well done to our representatives. 

SOMIDA at the 29th African Day for Occupational Risk Prevention (JAPRP 2025) in Tillabéry, Niger

From April 25 to 26, 2025, SOMIDA took part in the workshop organized by the CNN as part of the African Day of Occupational Risk Prevention (JAPRP 2025), under the central theme: ” Occupational risk prevention in the face of digital transformation and technological change: opportunities, challenges and adaptation strategies”, with an associated sub-theme entitled “Prevention and management of food poisoning in the workplace”.

Numerous senior officials from ministries, the CNSS, public and private companies, occupational health and safety (OHS) associations, occupational medicine and university and vocational school students took part in the meeting. Société Minière de DASA, invited to this important forum, was represented by four members of its Occupational Health and Safety Committee (CSST).

Our representatives showcased exceptionally well their expertise in 3 areas:

• use of the Automatic Fire Suppression System (ANSUL)
• remote-controlled machine operation
• food poisoning prevention actions at the DASA site

The presentations on the main and secondary themes of the workshop were very well received. Participants praised SOMIDA’s new features in general, as well as best practices in workplace catering management and exemplary preventive actions.

Enhancing the safety and efficiency of plant construction

The Plant construction project is moving ahead apace. The earthworks currently underway will soon give way to civil engineering works, for which the company in charge is already deployed on the DASA site.

Following validation of the process layout, the Engineering Department has already delivered the bulk of the manufacturing drawings to the factories, and produced the functional assembly drawings.

These plans, which define the layout of equipment and components in the plant’s various workshops, are an important step in ensuring the safety of operations and the success of production programs. For these reasons, the Project decided to hold a review workshop to examine, criticize and amend all the functional diagrams and their dimensioning.

This exercise, which took place over 4 days – from January 13 to 16 – at SOMIDA headquarters, brought together :

• Project management,
• Project managers, responsible for purchasing & logistics, planning, construction management, quality control and costs;
• Engineering office
• Operational staff from the DASA site
• Experienced Niger experts from outside the project
• Executives from the Ministry of Mines.

The 35 participants unabashedly reviewed the plant’s functional diagrams and suggested corrections to anything they felt posed a risk to the safety and performance of future operations.

Building Skills, Building Futures at DASA Mine

At the DASA site, it became clear that literacy challenges among some local staff were impacting workplace safety and efficiency. Employees who struggle to read and write may face difficulties in following instructions, which can affect overall operations.

In response, the site launched a dedicated literacy program to address this need. Over three months, 23 participants—including SOMIDA staff and subcontractors—engaged in this transformative initiative led by skilled teaching professionals.

On December 3rd, a special ceremony marked the completion of the program’s first cycle, with participants achieving a satisfactory literacy level. Certificates were awarded to the graduates, and site managers attended the event to highlight the significance of this milestone. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of all involved.

For many participants, learning to read and write simple forms and fill in personal details was a life-changing experience. The confidence and pride they gained from this achievement have inspired them to continue their educational journey.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to the program’s success.

Together, we are shaping a brighter and more empowered future at the DASA Mine.