NAMIBIA to produce 10% of the world's uranium with the opening of four new mines by 2010.

Namibian Mining Commissioner Erasmus Shivolo told media representatives that: "We receive enquiries on a daily basis from people wanting to invest in uranium - the interest is huge,"

Some of the global firms driving the expansion in the southwest African country, include Rio Tinto's Rössing Uranium mine, in production since 1976. It was previously due to close in 2009.

Around 4,700 tonnes of U3O8 is now expected this year and the company is doubling the mine's size to extend its life to 2016 in a $112 million upgrading and expansion project.