Reuters reported that French nuclear company Areva would sell its 26% stake in French nickel group Eramet if it had the go ahead of its top shareholder, the French state.

Mr Luc Oursel CEO of Areva said that “If the state gives its approval yes we would."

Analysts believe sovereign wealth funds or even EDF could be interested in investing in the mining business.

Mr Oursel who replaced long serving Anne Lauvergeon in June at the helm of world's biggest nuclear reactor builder, said that he would prefer an industrial partner invested in Areva's mining business.

(Sourced from Reuters)