By John Ikani
French nuclear company Orano has announced that Niger’s military authorities have assumed control of its uranium mining operations in the country.
The military, which came to power through a coup last year, had previously announced its intention to reform regulations surrounding the extraction of natural resources by foreign firms.
In June, the military authorities cancelled Orano’s license to mine one of the planet’s largest uranium reserves, forcing the company to cease operations.
This decision deepens the diplomatic fallout between Niger and France, following the withdrawal of French troops from the former colony.
Officials in Niger have yet to issue a statement addressing Orano’s announcement.
As one of the world’s top 10 uranium producers, Niger contributes around 5% of global output, a critical element for nuclear energy production.
Before the coup, the country supplied between 15% and 20% of France’s uranium imports, underscoring its strategic importance.
Orano had warned for months about disruptions to its Nigerien subsidiary, Somair, in which the Niger government holds a 36.6% stake.
Exports of uranium have also faced significant hurdles, with Orano citing the closure of the border with Benin due to security concerns as a major barrier.
The company revealed that 1,150 tonnes of uranium concentrate, valued at approximately $210 million (£165 million), remain stranded from 2023 and 2024 production.
Orano expressed its determination to “defend its rights before the competent bodies” while voicing an openness to engaging with “all stakeholders to re-establish a stable and sustainable mode of operation.”
The military authorities in Niger have expressed dissatisfaction with past agreements involving foreign firms, arguing the nation should reap greater benefits from its mineral wealth.
Analysts suggest that with France increasingly sidelined, Russian and Turkish businesses might seek to step into the gap.
Speaking to a Russian news agency in November, Niger’s Minister of Mines, Colonel Abarchi Ousmane, pointed to France’s stance against the military government as a key factor in deteriorating relations.
“The French state, through its head of state, has declared that it does not recognise the current authorities in Niger. Does it seem possible to you that we, the state of Niger, would allow French companies to continue extracting our natural resources?” he questioned.
Since gaining independence in 1960, Niger had allowed France privileged access to its uranium through a series of agreements, ensuring a steady supply for its nuclear industry.
However, military leader Abdourahamane Tiani has signaled a decisive break from this history, emphasizing the need for Niger to assert greater control over its resources and diminish Western influence.
