Niger Security Service Shuts French Mining Company Orano’s Offices Months After Revoking License

Tensions between Niger and French uranium giant Orano has escalated as the country’s External Security Service (DGDSE) searched and shut down Orano’s offices in Niamey, seizing equipment and detaining a senior executive.

On May 5, DGDSE agents raided the offices of Orano and its local subsidiaries, confiscating cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices, according to sources familiar with the operation. By the following morning, the company’s premises were sealed off, halting all operations and barring employees from entering.

A source close to the company told Reuters that Ibrahim Courmo, Orano’s local director, had been arrested during the operation. Neither the Nigerien authorities nor Orano have officially commented on the arrest or the reason behind the search.

This move follows the Nigerien government’s decision on June 19, 2024, to revoke Orano’s authorisation to exploit the massive Imouraren uranium deposit — one of the world’s largest untapped uranium reserves. The government cited prolonged delays and unmet commitments by the company as grounds for the revocation. Orano has since contested the decision, arguing that security conditions in the region had impeded progress.

The Imouraren project, located in northern Niger, has long been a cornerstone of French energy interests in the Sahel. Orano, formerly part of the French state-owned Areva group, has operated in Niger for decades and was a key player in supplying uranium to France’s nuclear power industry.

It will be recalled that Orano has launched international arbitration against Niger following the country’s decision to revoke a key mining licence. The move comes after months of failed mediation efforts.

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