A tense standoff is unfolding in Niger, pitting the countryS military junta against French nuclear giant Orano over control of the nation’s vital uranium resources. The dispute centers around somaïr, a uranium mining company in which Orano holds a 63.4% stake, with the remaining 36.6% owned by the Nigerien state.
Since seizing power in a July 2023 coup, the junta has made asserting sovereignty over its natural resources a top priority, particularly uranium.This assertive stance led to the junta revoking Orano’s operating license for the Imouraren mine in June, a site boasting estimated reserves of 200,000 tons of uranium.
Orano, in response, announced in October that it would halt production at the mine from October 31st, citing an increasingly untenable situation. “For several months, Orano has been warning about the interference the group is suffering in the management of Somaïr, of which it is indeed the main shareholder and operator in Niger,” the company stated.
“Decisions made by the company’s board of directors are no longer enforced and Orano now notes that the nigerian authorities have taken over its operational control,”
Orano further explained that despite a board decision on November 12th to suspend mining-related costs, a delegation of regime advisors visited the Somaïr mines, urging workers to continue operations. However, Orano maintains that the situation has worsened, with production costs further straining the company’s finances.
“In this context, implement the resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of Somaïr on November 12, to suspend costs related to production activities, to prioritize the payment of salaries and the integrity of the unit to preserve business, deliberately prevented,”
The company claims that Nigerien representatives acknowledged this position during a December 3rd board meeting, confirming their refusal to export the uranium.This impasse has resulted in approximately 1,150 tons of uranium from the 2023 and 2024 reserves – nearly half of the site’s average annual production – being held in limbo. Orano estimates the market value of this stockpile at €200 million, with 90% of the company’s capital belonging to the French state.
This situation highlights the growing tension between Niger and its former colonial power, France. Since the coup, the junta has distanced itself from France, seeking option partnerships. In November, Niger’s Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, invited Russian companies to explore the country’s natural resources.
Orano expressed deep concern over the situation’s impact on workers and local communities, stating its intention to protect its rights through legal channels. The company emphasized its desire for a stable and lasting operating habitat to resume operations.
Niger currently contributes 4.7% to global uranium production, considerably less than Kazakhstan, which leads with 45.2%, according to 2021 data from the Euratom Supply Agency (ESA).
## Niger’s Uranium Showdown: A Conversation wiht Dr. Amina Diallo
**World-Today-News.com: Dr. Diallo, thank you for joining us today. Niger is facing a critical situation with the military junta clashing with France’s Orano over uranium resources. Can you shed light on the core of this dispute?**
**dr. Amina Diallo:** The situation is indeed complex. At its heart lies a fundamental struggle for control over Niger’s uranium, a resource vital to France’s nuclear energy production. The military junta, having seized power in July, has prioritized asserting national sovereignty over its resources, demanding a larger share of the profits and potentially even outright control of the Somaïr mine.
**World-Today-News.com: Orano holds a significant majority stake in Somaïr. What are their interests,and how are they reacting to the junta’s actions?**
**Dr. Diallo:** Orano’s stake in Somaïr is indeed substantial – they hold 63.4%, making them the main operator. Naturally, they are resisting the junta’s encroachment, arguing that these actions are a violation of existing agreements and international law. They are also concerned about the long-term stability and security of their operations in niger.
**world-Today-News.com:** The junta recently revoked Orano’s operating license for the Imourare mine. What does this signify, and what are the potential consequences?
**Dr. Diallo:** This revocation signals the junta’s assertive stance and their willingness to use strong-arm tactics.It also exposes the fragility of investment in countries with unpredictable political landscapes. The consequences are significant. It could escalate tensions with France, disrupt uranium supplies, and deter future foreign investment in Niger.
**World-Today-News.com: What are the potential outcomes of this standoff? Is a peaceful resolution possible?**
**Dr. Diallo:** Its a precarious situation. The junta needs to balance its drive for control with the need for foreign investment and stability. Orano, conversely, needs to secure its interests and potentially reassess its long-term commitment to Niger.
A peaceful resolution requires a spirit of compromise and negotiation. This could involve renegotiating the terms of Orano’s involvement, potentially increasing Niger’s share of profits, while ensuring stability and security for the operation.However, achieving this will require open dialog and a commitment from both sides to de-escalate the situation.
**World-Today-News.com: What are the broader implications for Niger and the region?**
**Dr. Diallo:** This standoff has significant implications. It highlights the risks of resource dependency and the need for diversification in Niger’s economy. It also raises questions about the future of French influence in the region and the potential for instability if othre countries follow Niger’s lead.
The international community must closely monitor the situation, encouraging dialogue and supporting a peaceful resolution while ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
**World-Today-News.com: Dr.Diallo, thank you for providing your expert insights on this critical issue. Your analysis is invaluable in helping us understand the complexities of the Niger uranium standoff.**
**Dr. diallo:** Thank you for having me. This situation deserves global attention and requires a responsible and informed approach from all stakeholders.
