Niger’s Military Authorities Assume Control of Orano Uranium Operations

Orano, a French nuclear company, has reported that Niger’s military authorities have seized control of its uranium mining activities within the West African nation. Following their ascent to power via a coup in July of the previous year, Niger’s military leadership declared intentions to revise regulations governing the extraction of raw materials by international corporations. In June, Orano’s authorization to operate one of the globe’s most substantial uranium deposits was revoked, leading Orano to halt production. This development signifies a further intensification in the deteriorating ties between France and Niger, which previously saw the removal of French forces from the former colony. Nigerien authorities have not yet responded to Orano’s announcement. Niger contributes approximately 5% to the world’s uranium production, positioning it among the top 10 global suppliers of this essential raw material for nuclear power generation. Prior to the coup, Niger supplied between 15% and 20% of France’s uranium imports. For several months, Orano has issued warnings regarding disruptions to the operations of its local subsidiary, Somair, where Niger holds a 36.6% ownership stake. The company stated it has encountered difficulties exporting uranium due to the closure of Niger’s border with Benin for security purposes. Orano indicates that 1,150 tonnes of uranium concentrate from its 2023 and 2024 inventories, valued at approximately $210 million (£165 million), remain unexported. Orano declared its intention to “defend its rights before the competent bodies” while also expressing a desire to collaborate with “all stakeholders to re-establish a stable and sustainable mode of operation.” Niger’s military leadership has articulated dissatisfaction with the process by which foreign companies received licenses, asserting that the nation ought to derive greater financial benefit from its mineral resources. There is a possibility that, with France’s reduced influence, companies from Russia and Turkey could have opportunities for investment. In November, Colonel Abarchi Ousmane, Niger’s Minister of Mines, informed a Russian news agency that France’s refusal to acknowledge the military rulers had also impacted bilateral relations. He stated, “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?” Niger gained independence from France in 1960, and the former colonial power had previously ensured exclusive access to Niger’s uranium reserves through a series of accords. However, since the coup, military leader Abdourahamane Tiani has demonstrated a firm resolve to diminish Western influence.