- Niger announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium joint venture, terminating its collaboration with French company Orano.
- The decision accompanies grievances over the expiration of the mining agreement and alleged French government hostility.
- Orano, owning a 63% stake, has faced operational exclusion since Niger's military government assumed control.
Niger’s government has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium joint venture, currently operated by French nuclear fuel company Orano.
Niger's Junta to nationalise uranium mine operated by France’s nuclear giant Orano
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
Niger’s government has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium joint venture, currently operated by French nuclear fuel company Orano.
The move revealed in an official statement broadcast on national television Thursday, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two parties, according to Reuters.
"Faced with this irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour by Orano, a company owned by the French state, a state openly hostile toward Niger since July 26, 2023 ... the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalise Somair," the statement said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The statement cited several grievances, including the expiration of the most recent mining agreement in December 2023, as part of the government's justification for taking control of the uranium venture.
Orano holds a 63% stake in Somair, with the remaining shares owned by Niger’s state-run company, Sopamin. However, the French firm has been shut out of operations since the military government took control of the mine.
Resource nationalization drive
Niger’s move comes as part of a broader trend among junta-led West African nations asserting greater control over their natural resources.
ADVERTISEMENT
The decision aligns with similar actions by regional allies Mali and Burkina Faso, who have increasingly sought to reclaim authority over their extractive industries.
DON'T MISS THIS: China reinforces African presence with increased mineral investments
Most recently, Burkina Faso finalized the handover of five gold mining assets to its state-owned mining company, a major milestone in its efforts to boost national ownership of key resources.
The transferred assets include two operational gold mines and three exploration licenses previously held by subsidiaries of London-listed Endeavour Mining and Lilium.
These include Wahgnion Gold SA, SEMAFO Boungou SA, Ressources Ferké SARL, Gryphon Minerals Burkina Faso SARL, and Lilium Mining Services Burkina Faso SARL.
