Niger’s government has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium joint venture operated by French nuclear fuels company Orano, citing a series of grievances, including the expiration of the latest mining agreement in December 2023.
The decision marks an escalation of a dispute between the Niger government and the French company, following a deterioration of relations between France and Niger after a military coup in July 2023.
The statement read on national television declared that the government of Niger has decided, “in full sovereignty, to nationalize Somair” due to Orano’s “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior”. Orano holds a 63% stake in Somair, while Niger’s state-owned Sopamin owns the remainder.
However, the French operator has been shut out since the military-led government seized control of the uranium mine.
Orano has been pursuing arbitration against Niger and has filed lawsuits in the country against the state’s actions, warning of government interference at Somair, which it claims is damaging the mine’s financial situation.
According to a Financial Times report in May, the company was also exploring the potential sale of its stake in the uranium venture.
