French Uranium Giant Orano Loses Operational Control of Niger Subsidiary

The Nigerien government has taken over operations at Somaïr, a key uranium mining site, following months of escalating tensions with Orano.

Orano, a French company specializing in uranium, announced that Nigerien authorities have assumed operational control of its Somaïr mining subsidiary, where Orano holds a 63.4% stake.
The Nigerien government has blocked the export of uranium production and prevented the implementation of cost-cutting measures aimed at preserving financial stability and paying workers’ salaries.
Orano suspended production at Somaïr on October 31, citing a deteriorating situation, and previously lost its mining permit for the massive Imouraren deposit in June 2024.
Over 1,000 tonnes of uranium, valued at €300 million, remain stockpiled and unsold due to the export restrictions, exacerbating financial strain on the operation.
The geopolitical significance of uranium is growing as global demand rises, with countries like China and Russia seeking influence in Niger’s resource sector.