Niger Uranium Nationalisation: Mining News
- Niger intends to nationalize the Somair uranium mine,currently operated by French nuclear firm Orano.
- Orano,which is 90% owned by the french state,stated Friday that Niger's military government's plan to nationalize the Somair mine is part of a "systematic policy of stripping mining...
- Niger's military government, which assumed power following a coup in 2023, had previously announced its intention to seize control of the Somair mine.
Niger is taking control of the Somair uranium mine, a pivotal move signaling a clear break from France and a strategic pivot towards Russia. This bold decision places the government in charge, aiming too rectify what it views as Orano’s unfair uranium distribution, impacting Niger’s economic role. orano, the French firm, responds with threats of legal action, escalating tensions in the region. This nationalization follows a trend of governments redefining the role of natural resources,particularly uranium. For insights into the unfolding implications, from arbitration to the future of mining, turn to News Directory 3 for breaking developments. Discover what’s next in Niger’s uranium saga.
Niger to Nationalize Uranium Mine Amid Shift From France
Updated June 20,2025
Niger intends to nationalize the Somair uranium mine,currently operated by French nuclear firm Orano. This decision underscores Niger’s move away from its former colonial ruler, France, and a growing alignment with russia.
Orano,which is 90% owned by the french state,stated Friday that Niger’s military government’s plan to nationalize the Somair mine is part of a “systematic policy of stripping mining assets.” The company is threatening legal action in response.
Niger’s military government, which assumed power following a coup in 2023, had previously announced its intention to seize control of the Somair mine. The government accused Orano of appropriating an unfair share of the uranium produced at the site.
While Orano holds a 63% stake in Somair, with Niger’s state-owned Sopamin owning the remaining share, the government claims Orano took 86.3% of the mine’s production between 1971 and 2024. The government views this as an unfair distribution of the role of each partner in the uranium mining operation, impacting Niger’s economic role.
“Faced with the irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior by Orano, a company owned by the French state, a state openly antagonistic toward Niger since July 26, 2023 … the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalise Somair,” authorities said Thursday.
Wave of Nationalizations
Since taking power,Niger’s military leaders have distanced themselves from France,seeking closer ties with Russia. This shift includes changes to the role of foreign companies in Niger’s economy.
In 2024, Niger revoked orano’s operational control over its three primary mines in the contry: Somair, Cominak, and imouraren, the latter boasting one of the world’s largest uranium deposits.
Orano stated Friday its intention to “claim compensation for all of its damages and assert its rights over the stock corresponding to Somair’s production to date.”
Orano has operated in Niger for 50 years and is currently involved in several arbitration processes with the nation.Last month, the company sued Nigerien authorities following the disappearance of its director and raids on its local offices.
Niger’s decision to nationalize Somair occurs amid a broader trend of mine nationalizations across west Africa, especially in Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are also under military rule. This regional trend highlights the evolving role of governments in managing their natural resources and the economic role these resources play.
What’s next
The nationalization of the Somair mine is expected to further strain relations between niger and France. The legal battles and arbitration processes involving Orano could continue for an extended period, shaping the future of uranium mining in Niger.