Nuclear: Orano denounces Niger's "desire to nationalize" its subsidiary Somaïr

Uranium mining in Niger is at the center of a standoff between the junta that seized power in Niamey in 2023 and the Orano group, more than 90% of whose capital is owned by the French state. The French group expresses "its deepest regret regarding the development of the situation and the position of the State of Niger, which weigh heavily on the employees of the group's mining subsidiaries in Niger as well as on local communities."

On Thursday, the nationalization of Somaïr was announced by Nigerien national television, reporting on the Council of Ministers meeting, in the following terms: "Faced with the irresponsible, illegal and disloyal behavior of Orano, a company owned by the French State, a State openly hostile to Niger […] the State of Niger decides in all sovereignty to nationalize Somaïr."

Towards a final divorce?

The case has become a symbol of the appalling relations between France and the regime, which is moving closer to other partners such as Russia and Iran. Niamey regularly accuses Paris of seeking to destabilize it by "training terrorists," without, however, providing concrete evidence to support these allegations.

In December 2024, Orano (formerly Areva) announced the loss of operational control of its three mining subsidiaries in Niger: the Somaïr mine, the Cominak mine (closed since 2021), and the Imouraren deposit. The latter site is one of the largest uranium deposits in the world, with reserves estimated at 200,000 tonnes, and Niamey revoked Orano's operating license in June 2024.

But the French group remained a majority shareholder with more than 60% of these subsidiaries, and has initiated "several international arbitration proceedings" against the State of Niger, the last of which dates back to the end of January after the loss of operational control of the Somaïr site. On Friday evening, Orano recalled that it had "initiated several international arbitration proceedings."