Paladin Energy is preparing to launch a dilutive rights issue as early as this week. The struggling uranium producer, the seventh largest in the world, is also expected to announce it has attracted an offshore strategic investor.

After three years of bad news after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, which saw close to 50 nuclear stations idled in Japan, Paladin, led by John Borshoff , has taken steps this year to cut debt and ensure its survival.