An employee works in the operation room at the Orano nuclear waste reprocessing plant in La Hague, near Cherbourg, France, January 17, 2023.
The announcement highlighted several concerns, including the expiration of the most recent mining agreement in December 2023. The government stated: “Faced with this irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour by Orano, a company owned by the French state ... the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalize Somair.”
This decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing disagreement between Niger’s authorities and Orano, which began after a military coup in July 2023 strained relations. Orano holds a 63% stake in Somair, while Niger’s state-owned Sopamin owns the remaining 37%. Since the military-led government took control, Orano has been excluded from operations at the uranium mine.
Orano has pursued legal action, including arbitration against Niger and lawsuits within the country, citing government actions that have disrupted Somair’s operations. The company has warned that these interventions are negatively affecting the mine’s financial stability. According to a May report by the Financial Times, Orano was also considering selling its stake in the venture.
The nationalization plan reflects Niger’s intent to assert greater control over its natural resources amid complex dynamics with foreign partners. The move follows challenges in maintaining the terms of the expired mining agreement, which has contributed to tensions. The government’s decision aims to address these issues while prioritizing national interests.
Orano’s exclusion from Somair’s operations and the subsequent legal disputes highlight the broader difficulties in managing international partnerships in Niger’s mining sector. The nationalization could reshape the country’s uranium industry, a key economic driver, as the government seeks to redefine its role in resource management.
