French nuclear fuels company Orano has officially initiated arbitration proceedings against Niger after the West African nation revoked the mining license of Orano’s subsidiary, Imouraren. The legal move, announced on Friday, marks the latest escalation in tensions between Niger’s military-led government and foreign investors operating within the country.
Niger, which contributes approximately 4% of the world’s uranium supply—a critical resource for nuclear energy—has been increasing pressure on international mining companies in recent months. Orano first reported the withdrawal of its Imouraren mining permit in June. This was followed in July by similar action against Canada’s GoviEx Uranium, which was also stripped of its license to develop a uranium project in Niger.
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The situation took a more contentious turn earlier this month when Nigerien authorities seized control of Orano’s Somair uranium mine, raising concerns about the future of foreign mining operations in the region.
In response to the developments, Orano expressed its disappointment, stating that the company remains committed to resolving the dispute through legal avenues. “This action is a necessary step to protect our rights and investments,” an Orano representative said, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in addressing the conflict.
Niger’s military government has yet to comment on Orano’s arbitration filing. The government’s stance, however, aligns with a broader trend of reasserting control over natural resources and renegotiating terms with foreign entities.
This dispute comes amid similar challenges faced by international mining companies in neighboring West African nations. On Wednesday, Barrick Gold announced plans to pursue arbitration in its ongoing dispute with Mali, highlighting the region’s increasingly fraught relationship with foreign investors.
