By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The military government in Niger has withdrawn an operational license issued to a French fuel producer, Orano, to operate at one of the world’s largest uranium mining sites, the company has alleged as relations between both countries deteriorate.
The firm had been issued the permit to work on the Imouraren mining site located in northern Niger, which sits on an estimated 200,000 tonnes of the metal, which is vital for production of nuclear energy.
Arising from years of dormant activities, the West African nation threatened that Orano’s licence would be retrieved unless it goes back to site.
Nearly a week before the expiration of deadline, Orano announced on June 11 that work had commenced again at the site.
On Thursday, Orano however alleged that its permit had been withdrawn, a development that comes amid tensions between France and Niger’s ruling junta.
Since the Nigerien military took power in last year’s coup, it has been reducing its ties to France its former colony and establishing closer links to Russia.
The military junta in the West African nation had in December expelled French troops deployed to fight Islamist militants in the region, leading to a further broken relations.
The military government also vowed to review foreign mining concessions in the country after it took power.
“Orano fears that this decision to withdraw the mining permit for the deposit will have a negative impact on the economic, social and societal development of the region,” the company said in a statement.
It reserved the right to take legal measures against the withdrawal and “remains willing to keep all channels of communication open with the Niger authorities on this subject”, the company added.
The government in Niger, which is one of the largest producers of uranium in the world, has not commented on Orano’s statement.
