The Government of Niger has announced its intention to nationalise the Somair uranium joint venture (JV), currently operated by France’s Orano, reported Reuters, citing sources.
The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the West African nation and the French nuclear fuels company.
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The statement made on national television pointed to various grievances including the expiration of the mining agreement in December 2023.
“Faced with this irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour by Orano, a company owned by the French state – a state openly hostile toward Niger since 26 July 2023… the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalise Somair,” the statement declared.
This decision comes amidst deteriorating relations between France and Niger following a military coup in Niger in July 2023.
Orano, which holds a 63% stake in Somair, with the remaining shares owned by Niger’s state-owned Sopamin, has been excluded from the operation since the military-led government took over the uranium mine.
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By GlobalDataThe company has been actively seeking legal recourse, pursuing arbitration against Niger and filing lawsuits within the country to contest the state’s actions.
Orano has expressed concerns over government interference at Somair, highlighting the detrimental impact on the mine’s financial health.
The company operates three mines in Niger through a JV with the government. It has faced significant challenges in the region, including what it describes as the arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and unjust confiscation of property involving its staff and assets.
In May, Orano disclosed that it was contemplating the sale of its uranium assets in Niger due to the breakdown in relations with the country’s military-led government.
