Niger Authorities Take Control of French Uranium Subsidiary Somaïr

Oluwasegun SanusiDecember 5, 20241 Mins read703

Nigerien authorities have taken operational control of Somaïr, a French uranium giant Orano subsidiary, the company confirmed in a press release. This shows the escalation in the strained relationship between the Nigerien government and the French firm, which has been a key player in the country’s uranium sector.

According to Orano, Niger’s authorities have refused to export the company’s production, a decision that was solidified during a December 3 meeting of Somaïr’s board of directors.

The decisions taken during the company’s board meetings are no longer being implemented, and Orano therefore confirms today that the Nigerien authorities have taken operational control of the company,” the press release stated.

This development followed Orano’s announcement in late October that it was suspending production at its Arlit site, the company’s last operating uranium mine in Niger, citing “major financial difficulties.”

The refusal to allow exports, coupled with Niger’s assumption of operational control, signals the government’s determination to assert greater authority over its resources, which has been a priority in recent times.

Somaïr, based in Arlit, has long been a cornerstone of Niger’s uranium production, a sector that is critical to the country’s economy and to Orano’s global supply chain.

Observers note that this move is likely to further complicate relations between Niger and France. Niger, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, has been reassessing its resource policies under the new government, emphasising national sovereignty and control over its natural wealth. The decision to block exports and seize operational control aligns with this broader agenda.

Nigerien authorities had earlier 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.

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