Niger plans to nationalize uranium mines operated by French nuclear companies Orano As it continues to stay away from former French colonial rulers.
The company, owned by the French state, said on Friday that Niger's military rulers planned to nationalize the Somir mine as part of a “systematic policy of divesting mining assets” and threatened legal action.
Military Government – Come to power in 2023 coup, Promising to review mining concessions – said the previous day that it intends to control the Somair mine, accusing Orano of occupying disproportionately uranium on the site.
Orano holds 63% of Somair, while Niger state-owned Sopamin owns the rest, but the government says Orano accounts for 86.3% of production between the mine launches from 1971 to 2024.
“In the face of irresponsible, illegal and unfair behavior, Orano is a French state-owned company, and since July 26, 2023, a country has been openly hostile to Niger… The Niger government has made Somair full decisions,” the authorities said on Thursday.
The wave of nationalization
Since taking power, Niger's military leaders have turned to France to seek close ties with Russia.
In 2024, Niger revoked Orano's operating controls on three major mines in the country: Somair, Cominak and Imouraren, one of the world's largest uranium deposits.
On Friday, Orano said it intends to “request compensation for all its damages and claim its right to stocks corresponding to Somair's production to date”.
Orano, who has been operating in Niger for 50 years, has participated in several arbitration proceedings with the country.
Last month, it sued Nigerian authorities after its directors disappeared and attacked local offices.
Niger decides to nationalize Somair. Sea waves My nationalization in West Africa, especially in Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are governed by the military government.
