Niger challenges French company Orano’s suspension of Uranium production

Niger’s government has officially contested the French nuclear group Orano’s recent decision to suspend uranium production in the country, branding the move as “serious” and “unilateral.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, the management of the Société des mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR), which is co-owned by Orano and the Nigerien state, emphasized that any decisions regarding the future of SOMAÏR must be made jointly by both shareholders.

The statement noted with concern that the Société de patrimoine des mines du Niger (SOPAMIN), the state partner, was not consulted before Orano made this critical decision.

The management’s note raised “numerous questions and concerns,” claiming that Orano’s action “lacks transparency” and “violates several fundamental principles and practices essential to governance and the commitments between stakeholders.”

They further asserted that Orano’s decision is “unfounded,” stating that “all necessary arrangements are being made” to ensure SOMAÏR can continue its operations.

Orano had announced the halt of uranium production in Niger in a statement dated October 23, stating that operations would cease on October 31, 2024, due to an inability to export the raw material.

The French company explained, “Despite all efforts made” to negotiate with the military regime to resolve the situation and secure export authorizations, “all our proposals have gone unanswered.”

They added, “The borders remain closed” with Benin, rendering export impossible, and highlighted that alternative proposals to export via air through Namibia also “remained unaddressed.”

The tension escalated in June when Niger revoked Orano’s mining license for one of the world’s largest uranium deposits, the Imouraren site, which is estimated to hold reserves of 200,000 tons.

As the situation unfolds, both parties face significant implications for Niger’s uranium production, a critical component of its economy and a key resource for Orano’s operations.