Niger’s Military Government Announces Nationalization of Somair Mine

Niger’s military government announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, accusing Orano of unlawful behavior. The tension stems from the junta’s shift away from French influences toward Russia. Orano condemned the nationalization, emphasizing its legitimate rights and intentions to claim damages related to its Niger operations.

On Thursday, Niger’s military government declared its intent to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, accusing the French company Orano of engaging in “irresponsible, illegal and disloyal behavior.” This announcement comes amid an ongoing tension regarding uranium mining in Niger, where Orano—owned 90% by the French state—has been operating for several decades.

Since assuming power in a coup earlier this year, Niger’s military rulers have distanced themselves from France while seeking closer ties with Russia. Orano did not take this lying down; in a strong statement, the company condemned the impending nationalization, alleging that it is part of the junta’s systematic effort to seize mining assets against existing agreements with Niger.

Orano characterized the government’s actions as a campaign of misinformation and discredit directed towards the company. In a broader context, the move echoes previous decisions made in 2024 when Niger stripped Orano of operational control over its three main mines, including Somair, Cominak, and Imouraren, which reportedly holds one of the world’s largest uranium deposits.

Despite these challenges, Orano maintains a 60% ownership stake in its Niger subsidiaries. The company is currently seeking arbitration to regain operational control. In its recent statement, Orano emphasized its readiness to pursue compensation for damages incurred and to assert its rights over the uranium produced at Somair to date. This standoff underlines the complexity of foreign operations in regions grappling with political changes.

In summary, Niger’s military government’s push for nationalization of the Somair mine has led to a significant conflict with Orano. This is framed within a larger narrative of shifting loyalties, where Niger seeks to distance itself from France while navigating challenging agreements in natural resource control. The situation remains fluid as Orano seeks legal recourse and compensation amidst escalating tensions.

Original Source: www.freemalaysiatoday.com