The world's largest builder of nuclear reactors - planned to triple its investment in uranium mining to take advantage of higher prices for the metal and a revival in nuclear power projects -
Areva, a French state-controlled company - that is also a major uranium producer, plans to triple its exploration spending - to about €90 million, or $124 million - in the next few years, along with hiring hundreds - of geologists and seeking partnerships - and acquisitions, Mallet said in an interview -
Areva spent €30 million on exploration in 2006 - and employs 150 geologists -
"We aim to triple our exploration budget - double the number of geologists and buy permits" - Mallet said. –