Niger to Nationalize French-Operated Somair Uranium Mine Amid Regional Shift
Niger has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, currently operated by French state-owned company Orano, as tensions between the two parties escalate following the country’s 2023 military coup.
The decision is part of a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are increasingly reclaiming control over natural resources.
Recent nationalizations in Mali and Burkina Faso have raised concerns among international mining companies and investors with significant financial stakes in the region.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the Nigerien government accused Orano of disproportionately benefiting from Somair’s uranium production, taking far more output than its equity stake would warrant.
“According to the shareholders’ agreement, uranium production should be allocated based on ownership shares. However, the figures show a clear imbalance,” the statement said.
Orano owns 63% of Somair, while Niger’s state mining company, Sopamin, holds the remaining 37%. Despite this, the government alleges that Orano claimed 86.3% of the mine’s total production between its inception in 1971 and 2024 — a discrepancy it did not fully explain.
The government also criticized Orano’s recent actions, describing them as “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair.” Specific grievances include the withdrawal of French personnel from the site, disconnection of the mine from Orano’s IT systems, and the suspension of production.
Orano has not publicly responded to the latest nationalization plans or the government’s accusations.
However, the company has previously raised alarms about government interference, initiated arbitration proceedings, and filed legal complaints in Niger.
In May, the Financial Times reported that Orano was considering selling its stake after uranium exports were blocked and the mine was placed under government control.
This move follows similar actions in neighboring countries. In Mali, a court recently placed Barrick Gold’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex under state control amid a dispute over taxes and ownership. Burkina Faso has also nationalized five gold mines in June alone.
The growing wave of resource nationalizations in West Africa is reshaping the investment landscape and creating uncertainty for foreign companies with longstanding operations in the region.
