Niger’s government has announced the nationalization of the Somair uranium joint venture. This pivotal decision significantly escalates ongoing tensions with French operator Orano.
The government cited an expired mining agreement from December 2023, condemning Orano’s conduct as “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair.”
Officials labeled French state-owned Orano openly hostile, intensifying a dispute ignited by the July 2023 military coup.
Orano holds a 63% stake in Somair, but the French operator remains barred from the mine since the coup.
Orano actively pursues arbitration and lawsuits, warning government interference severely damaged the mine’s financial standing.
Reports from May revealed Orano explored selling its stake, underscoring profound uncertainties about the venture’s future.
