<figure id="attachment_3089680" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3089680" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-3089680" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f99b0ce9-orano-afp-210625.webp" alt="Orano AFP 210625" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3089680" class="wp-caption-text">Orano is 90% owned by the French state and has operated mines in Niger for decades. (AFP pic)</figcaption></figure>
PARIS: French uranium-mining firm Orano denounced yesterday Niger&#8217;s planned nationalisation of one of its local branches, deepening a spat between the junta-run Sahel country and Paris.
Niger&#8217;s military government on Thursday announced its intention to take control of the Somair mine, accusing its parent-company Orano of &#8220;irresponsible, illegal and disloyal behaviour&#8221;.
Uranium mining in Niger is at the centre of a tug-of-war between the junta and Orano, which is 90% owned by the French state and has operated mines in Niger for decades.
Since taking power in a 2023 coup, Niger&#8217;s military leaders have turned their back on former colonial ruler France, and sought closer ties with Russia instead.
In a statement, Orano condemned the proposed nationalisation as part of the junta&#8217;s &#8220;systematic policy of stripping mining assets, in violation of the agreements binding the group and the state of Niger&#8221;.
This policy &#8220;also illustrates a campaign of disinformation and discredit towards the group&#8221;, Orano added.
In 2024, Niger removed Orano&#8217;s operational control of its three main mines in the country: Somair, Cominak and Imouraren, which has one of the largest uranium deposits in the world.
Orano officially retains a 60% stake in its Niger subsidiaries and has attempted to win back operational control through arbitration.
In its statement yesterday, Orano said it &#8220;intends to claim compensation for all of its damages and assert its rights over the stock corresponding to Somair&#8217;s production to date&#8221;.

MatchPoint Times

French uranium giant Orano slams Niger’s nationalisation of branch

The junta-run Sahel country announced its intention to take control of the Somair mine on Thursday.

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