Luc Oursel

Areva and the Nigerien state negotiated for approximately eighteen months over renewal of the Somaïr and Cominak mining agreements. Niger demanded greater economic benefits and application of its 2006 mining law, while the issue became highly political.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In autumn 2014, Areva suspended its financial outlook for 2015 and 2016 after further deterioration in its markets and projects. The announcement triggered a sharp share price fall and strengthened criticism that the recovery plan launched under Luc Oursel had failed to stabilise the group.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

A proposed agreement between Areva, EDF and Chinese group CGNPC provoked strong controversy over its secrecy and the potential scale of technology transfers to China. Employee representatives demanded access to the document and feared consequences for French jobs and expertise.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

After taking over Areva in 2011, Luc Oursel launched the Action 2016 plan to restore the group's finances following Fukushima and substantial asset write-downs. The plan involved major investment cuts, disposals and not replacing some departing employees in France, provoking a standoff with the state and concern among trade unions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In 2012, Luc Oursel acknowledged that Areva had made mistakes on the Finnish Olkiluoto 3 EPR project, particularly beginning construction before engineering work was sufficiently advanced and misunderstandings concerning supervision and documentation requirements.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Direct responsibility