Niger’s military government has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, operated by French nuclear firm Orano, citing “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior” by the company. The government claims Orano took 86.3% of the mine’s production between 1971 and 2024, despite holding only a 63% stake in Somair. “Faced with the irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour by Orano, a company owned by the French state, a state openly hostile toward Niger since July 26, 2023… the government of Niger has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalise Somair,” the authorities said.
Orano, which has been operating in Niger for 50 years, has threatened to take legal action over the move, intending “to claim compensation for all of its damages and assert its rights over the stock corresponding to Somair’s production to date”. This decision is part of a broader trend of mine nationalizations across West Africa, notably in Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military governments.
Niger’s move away from France and towards Russia is evident in its recent decisions. Russian state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom has expressed interest in taking over Orano’s uranium assets in Niger, as part of its strategy to dominate the nuclear energy market in Africa.
This move would boost the Russian economy and increase its leverage over countries seeking to reduce Russian energy purchases. Niger’s military leaders are likely seeking military support or near-term access to revenue to bolster its counterinsurgency efforts and economy, strengthening its regime security.
The Nigerien junta faces significant economic shortfalls after the regional West African economic bloc lifted sanctions in February. The sanctions severely harmed the already-weak Nigerien economy, closing nearly all borders and trade with Niger, suspending government financial transactions, and freezing the country’s assets in external banks. The junta has also faced growing security threats from Salafi-jihadi insurgents and a new grouping of anti-junta rebels, further complicating the situation.
The international community is closely watching Niger’s move, with implications for global uranium markets and geopolitics. As the seventh-largest uranium producer in the world, Niger’s decision will likely have far-reaching consequences. The country’s rich uranium deposits and strategic location make it an important player in the global nuclear energy market.