Niger’s military government has revoked the permit of French fuel producer Orano to operate at the Imouraren uranium mine, one of the largest in the world.
Orano, which had been licensed to work at the mine in northern Niger, stated the site holds an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium crucial for nuclear energy production.
Production at Imouraren has faced years of delays, prompting the Nigerien government to warn that Orano’s licence would expire unless operations resumed.
On June 11, just days before the deadline, Orano announced the recommencement of work. However, on Thursday, Orano revealed that its permit had been withdrawn, a move occurring amidst escalating tensions between France and Niger’s ruling junta.
Following last year’s coup, Niger’s military government has distanced itself from France, favouring closer ties with Russia. The expulsion of French troops combating Islamist militants in December marked a low point in relations. The junta also pledged to review foreign mining concessions after assuming power.
Orano expressed concern that the permit withdrawal could negatively impact the region’s economic, social, and societal development. The company reserved the right to pursue legal action and emphasised its willingness to maintain communication with Nigerien authorities.
Niger, a major global uranium producer, has not commented on Orano’s statement but had previously warned of the potential licence rescindment if development did not commence by June 19.
Mining at Imouraren was supposed to start in 2015 but was delayed following the 2011 Japanese nuclear disaster, which caused a slump in uranium prices. Orano, present in Niger for over 50 years, also operates another uranium mine in Arlit, despite the closure of the Akokan mine in 2021
