Niger’s military government announced Thursday its decision to nationalize a major uranium mine operated by French nuclear giant Orano, the latest move in a regional campaign by West African nations to seize control of their natural resources from foreign companies.
The Council of Ministers adopted an ordinance authorizing the full takeover of the Somair uranium mine, a move that would end more than 50 years of French-controlled operations at one of the world’s significant uranium sites.
The government claims Orano unfairly dominated production since mining began in 1971. Officials said the French firm extracted 86.3% of uranium output while holding just a 63% ownership stake in the joint venture.
The nationalization deepens a diplomatic rift that began when Niger’s military seized power in July 2023. Since the coup, Niger has distanced itself from its former colonial ruler and pursued stronger relationships with Russia.
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Orano condemned the planned takeover as part of a “systematic policy of stripping mining assets” and threatened legal action. The French state owns 90% of Orano, which has operated in Niger for five decades and faces losing its 63% stake in the strategic mine.
The move is part of a broader trend across the Sahel region. Mali nationalized a gold mine last year, while Burkina Faso has taken control of British-owned gold operations. The three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States, coordinating efforts to assert greater control over their mineral wealth.
Read: Burkina Faso Secures Control Over Two Gold Mines in Controversial $80 Million Deal
Niger ranks as the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, supplying about 5% of global output. The metal represents Niger’s second-largest export after gold and contributes 5% to the country’s GDP.
France relies on Niger for 15-20% of its uranium imports, crucial for operating its 56 nuclear reactors that provide most of the country’s electricity.
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