Niger Junta Seizes French Uranium Mine, Deepening Rift with France

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Niger’s military government has officially taken control of uranium mining operations run by the French nuclear firm Orano, marking a significant shift in the West African country’s resource management. This move follows the junta’s efforts to assert greater control over foreign companies operating in Niger since it seized power in a coup in July 2023.

Orano, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, had its mining permit revoked by Niger’s authorities in June, leading to a suspension of production. The company has since faced escalating challenges, including restricted exports due to the closure of Niger’s border with Benin for security reasons. Orano revealed that 1,150 tonnes of uranium concentrate, valued at approximately $210 million, remain stranded in the country.

The junta has yet to comment on Orano’s statement, but its actions align with earlier promises to reform regulations governing foreign companies’ access to Niger’s vast natural resources. The government has expressed dissatisfaction with past agreements, asserting that Niger should receive a larger share of the profits from its mineral wealth.

Niger is one of the top 10 uranium producers globally, accounting for about 5% of the world’s supply—a critical resource for nuclear power generation. Before the coup, Niger provided 15–20% of France’s uranium imports, underscoring its importance to France’s energy strategy.

However, the coup and subsequent diplomatic fallout have disrupted this relationship. French troops were expelled from Niger earlier this year, and the current regime has accused France of undermining its legitimacy by refusing to recognize the new government.Niger Junta Seizes French Uranium Mine, Deepening Rift with France

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Niger’s Minister of Mines, Colonel Abarchi Ousmane, recently criticized France for its lack of recognition of the junta, questioning the feasibility of allowing French companies to continue extracting resources under these circumstances. The minister suggested that France’s sidelining could pave the way for new investors, hinting at possible collaborations with Russian and Turkish firms.

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger has maintained strong economic ties with its former colonizer, particularly in uranium mining. However, military leader Abdourahamane Tiani has made it clear that his administration seeks to break from this legacy, prioritizing greater sovereignty over the country’s resources.

In response to the junta’s actions, Orano stated its intention to defend its rights through legal channels while expressing willingness to engage with stakeholders to restore stable operations. The company also emphasized that interference in its local subsidiary, Somair—where Niger holds a 36.6% stake—has hindered its ability to operate effectively.

The junta’s nationalistic stance on resource management signals a broader shift in Niger’s approach to foreign investment. While it remains uncertain how this will impact uranium production and global markets in the long term, the fallout is already reshaping relationships with France and opening the door for other nations to step in.

For France, the loss of Niger’s uranium supply poses challenges to its energy sector. For Niger, however, this could mark the beginning of a new era, one that seeks to maximize the country’s wealth while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

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