French company Orano loses control of uranium mine to Niger admin

BAMAKO, Mali

French nuclear fuel company Orano has said Niger military administration has taken control of its Somair uranium mine in the West African country.

Orano, which owns about 63% of the mine, said in a statement on Wednesday that decisions taken at Somair board meetings were no longer being applied.

Niger owns the remaining stake in Somair. A critical mining permit was revoked in June 2024, followed by export blockades that halted shipments.

These disruptions stranded 1,150 tons of uranium concentrate and incurred losses exceeding $200 million. Operations ceased entirely in October due to financial and logistical pressures. The company has now confirmed it has lost all operational control of the mine.

“For several months, Orano has been warning of the interference that the group has been suffering in the governance of Somair, of which it is the majority shareholder and operator in Niger,” the company announced.

“The decisions taken at the company's board meetings are no longer being applied and, as a result, Orano is today confirming that the Nigerien authorities have taken operational control of the company. The production expenses which continue to be incurred on the site are worsening the company's financial situation with every passing day.”

The dispute is rooted in Niger’s frayed relations with France, exacerbated by Paris’ refusal to recognize the military government. Niger supplied 15-20% of France’s uranium imports.

Niger accounts for about 4% of global output of uranium, the most widely used fuel for nuclear energy, and Orano has operated mines in the country for years.

However, the business climate for international companies in Niger has become uncertain after a military coup last year.

This coincides with the junta’s reassessment of other foreign mining operations, and its plans to reform regulations to assert greater control over Niger’s resources.

BAMAKO, Mali

French nuclear fuel company Orano has said Niger military administration has taken control of its Somair uranium mine in the West African country.

The dispute is rooted in Niger’s frayed relations with France, exacerbated by Paris’ refusal to recognize the military government. Niger supplied 15-20% of France’s uranium imports.

Niger accounts for about 4% of global output of uranium, the most widely used fuel for nuclear energy, and Orano has operated mines in the country for years.

However, the business climate for international companies in Niger has become uncertain after a military coup last year.

This coincides with the junta’s reassessment of other foreign mining operations, and its plans to reform regulations to assert greater control over Niger’s resources.