Niger plans to nationalize Somair uranium amid tension

(MENAFN) Niger’s ruling military government has declared the nationalization of Somair uranium, a company previously operated in partnership with the French state-owned nuclear energy firm Orano. The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the West African country and the French company, which officials have accused of operating unlawfully.

Authorities stated that Orano’s most recent agreement to mine uranium in the Arlit region lapsed in December 2023, ending more than five decades of operations at the site, which began in 1971. The government claims the company has been acting “irresponsibly, illegally, and unfairly” since the military seized power in July 2023.

“Faced with this irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior by Orano – a company owned by the French state, which has been openly hostile toward Niger since July 26, 2023 – the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalize Somair,” national broadcaster reported, citing a statement released after the Nigerien Council of Ministers convened on Thursday.

Officials emphasized that taking full control of the mine would enable better oversight and improved benefits from uranium resources for the country’s citizens. “This nationalization will allow for healthier and more sustainable management of the company and, consequently, optimal enjoyment of the wealth from mining resources by Nigeriens,” read a government press release distributed by a Nigerian press organization.

Diplomatic relations between Niger and France have worsened significantly since the July 2023 coup, resulting in the suspension of military cooperation and the withdrawal of French troops previously stationed to combat Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

In line with similar moves by allied governments in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, Niger’s transitional leadership has been reassessing mining agreements with foreign entities as part of a broader effort to strengthen national control and increase earnings from natural resource exploitation.

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