Niger moves to nationalize French-run uranium venture amid tensions with Orano  

Niger’s military-led government announced Thursday it will nationalize Somaïr, the country’s main uranium mining venture operated by French firm Orano, accusing the company of unfair practices and disproportionate profiteering.

In a strongly worded statement, authorities in Niamey said the decision was made “in full sovereignty” in response to Orano’s “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior.”

They also cited France’s hostile stance toward Niger since the military seized power on July 26, 2023.

Somaïr, a joint venture between Orano and Niger’s state-owned Sopamin, runs the only active uranium mine in the country.

While Orano previously held operational control, Nigerien authorities took over the site last year and revoked the company’s permit for the Imouraren project, which holds an estimated 200,000 tons of uranium.

Tensions have escalated over recent months, with Orano filing lawsuits against the government following the disappearance of one of its directors and a raid on its offices.

The company is also engaged in multiple arbitration disputes with Niger.

Niger, which ranks as the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, has been a key supplier for global nuclear energy — including France.

However, the military regime that came to power in 2023 has vowed to cut Western ties and reassess foreign mining agreements, marking a sharp pivot from its previous alignment with the West on economic and security matters in the Sahel.