French company Orano says Niger’s military authorities have taken over uranium mining in the West African country.
After taking power in July last year, Niger’s military leaders said they would revise the laws governing the mining of raw materials by foreign companies.
In June, they revoked Orano’s permit to exploit one of the world’s largest uranium deposits. Orano then stopped production.
This marks another escalation in the strained relations between France and Niger, following the expulsion of French troops from the former colony.
Niger authorities have yet to comment on Orano’s statement.
The country accounts for about 5% of the world’s uranium production, making it one of the top 10 producers of the precious commodity essential for nuclear power generation.
Before the coup, Niger accounted for 15-20% of France’s uranium imports.
Orano has been warning for months about interference in the operation of the local unit, Somair, in which Niger has a 36.6% share.
The company said it was struggling to export uranium to other countries because the border between Niger and Benin was closed due to security reasons.
A total of 1,150 tons of concentrated uranium from 2023 and 2024 stocks have not yet been exported, according to Orano. This costs around $210m (£165m).
Orano said he intends to “defend his rights before the relevant bodies” but also wants to work “with all the stakeholders to re-establish a stable and sustainable way of working”.
The military commanders in Niger have made it clear that they are not happy with the way foreign companies have been given licenses and they believe that the country should earn more money from the minerals found under the ground.
It is possible that with France sidelined, Russian and Turkish firms will have an opportunity to invest.
In November, the Minister of Mines in Niger, Colonel Abarchi Ousmane, told a Russian news agency, that France’s disrespect for military rulers has also affected relations between the two countries.
“The French government, through its head of state, has announced that it does not recognize the authorities in Niger. Does it seem possible to you that we, the country of Niger, can allow French companies to continue extracting our natural resources?” he said.
Niger gained independence from France in 1960 and the former colonial power was able to gain exclusive access to Niger’s uranium reserves through various agreements.
But since the coup, military leader Abdourahamane Tiani has been adamant about engaging in force with the West.
You may also be interested in:
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfricaon Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
