Home News Niger Authorities Take Control of French Uranium Subsidiary Somaïr
News

Niger Authorities Take Control of French Uranium Subsidiary Somaïr

478

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.

Read More:

About The Author

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

News

ICYMI: Ghana Shuts Down Washington Embassy Over Visa Fraud Scandal

Ghana has temporarily closed its embassy in Washington, D.C., following the uncovering...

In a ministerial meeting of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) held in Bamako on January 16, 2025, key decisions emerging from the session include establishing a Regional Investment Bank and launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states.
News

Confederation of Sahel States Moves to Establish Joint Judicial Body

The Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso,...

NewsSecurity

Malian Customs Seize 19 Buses with Fake Documents in Major Fraud Crackdown

Malian Customs have seized 19 passenger buses found to be operating with...

NewsSecurity

Burkina Faso: Ministry of Defense Condemns RFI for Spreading False Information Aimed at Destabilization

The Ministry of Defense of Burkina Faso has publicly condemned Radio France...