Nigerien authorities have criticised the decision by French nuclear group Orano to suspend uranium production in the country, calling the move “irrelevant” and challenging the company’s unilateral approach to halting operations.
In a statement released Thursday, the Société des mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR), a joint venture between Orano and the Nigerien government, denounced the lack of consultation in Orano’s decision.
The statement noted that under existing statutes and partnership agreements, decisions about SOMAÏR’s future must be made in cooperation with the Nigerien State.
The Société de patrimoine des mines du Niger (SOPAMIN), Niger’s national mining assets agency and SOMAÏR’s co-owner, was reportedly not consulted.
Orano announced on October 23 that it would suspend uranium production in Niger by October 31, 2024, citing export limitations as a key factor.
The company explained that its efforts to secure export authorisations for uranium concentrate, particularly with Niger’s military regime, have been unsuccessful.
Orano added that it explored alternative options, including air transport via Namibia, which also went unanswered by authorities.
Despite all the efforts deployed with the military regime to try to unblock the situation and obtain export authorisations, all our proposals have remained unanswered, the French company said.
The Nigerien government, however, has expressed concerns about Orano’s decision, pointing to what it describes as a lack of transparency and violations of governance principles.
SOMAÏR management emphasised that they are making “all arrangements” to keep operations running, suggesting the possibility of continued uranium production.
The recent tensions add to an ongoing struggle between Niger and Orano. Earlier this year, in June, Niger withdrew Orano’s permit to operate the Imouraren uranium deposit, one of the largest in the world with reserves estimated at 200,000 tonnes.
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