- Niger’s junta condemns Orano for halting uranium production, citing a lack of transparency and consultation.
- Orano blames financial difficulties, including border closures and permit withdrawals, for suspending Somaïr operations.
- Niger plans to maintain uranium output by purchasing 210 tons through state-owned Sopamin while exploring new partnerships.
The Nigerien junta criticised French mining giant Orano for suspending uranium extraction, accusing the company of harming stakeholder interests and lacking transparency.
In a statement, Sopamin, Niger’s state-owned mining company, expressed dissatisfaction with Orano’s decision to stop production at Somaïr. Orano, which controls 63.4% of the company, halted operations on October 31 due to financial constraints. Sopamin, holding a minority stake, condemned the move as unilateral and called it a violation of governance principles. The company stressed the need for consultation, accusing Orano of ignoring best practices in industrial partnerships.
Orano defended its decision, citing several challenges. It pointed to the Nigerien junta’s withdrawal of a mining permit for the Imouraren site, one of the world’s largest uranium deposits, as a critical factor. The closure of the Niger-Benin border also blocked uranium exports, adding to the financial strain.
Orano offered to ship uranium to France or Namibia as alternative export routes but received no response from Niger’s authorities. This lack of engagement accelerated the decision to halt operations.
In response, Niger announced plans to purchase 210 tons of uranium through Sopamin to keep Somaïr running. Despite export challenges, the government presented this as a temporary solution to sustain production. Somaïr currently holds a stockpile of 1,050 tons of uranium, valued at around €300 million.
Since the July 2023 coup, Niger’s junta has pushed to renegotiate foreign contracts on natural resource exploitation. The regime seeks to boost national gains from the country’s resources, particularly uranium, as Niger ranks among the top global producers.
In September, Niger took another step toward asserting control by approving the creation of the Timersoi National Uranium Company (TNUC). This new state-owned firm will manage uranium extraction, reflecting Niger’s aim to increase oversight and benefits from its natural resources.
Orano has operated in Niger’s uranium industry since 1971. The company shut down its Akokan Mining Company (Cominak) operations in 2021, leaving Somaïr as its last active site in the country. However, recent tensions and financial issues now jeopardise Orano’s future in Niger.
Decades of cooperation between Orano and Niger now face severe challenges as the government seeks to exert more control over its uranium sector. At the same time, Orano confronts strategic and financial dilemmas as it considers its next steps in the region.
Political instability and blocked exports may force the French company to reconsider its long-term involvement. Niger, meanwhile, is exploring new partnerships with other global powers, including Russia and Iran, signalling a possible shift in its uranium strategy.