Niger denounces Orano’s suspension of uranium production

The Nigerien junta criticizes Orano's suspension of activities, claiming the decision harms stakeholder commitments and lacks transparency, according to a document from the state-owned company Sopamin.

Share:

Niger, through its state-owned company Sopamin, has officially expressed dissatisfaction with Orano’s decision to suspend uranium extraction activities in the country. The French group, which holds a 63.4% majority stake in Somaïr, announced the suspension of its uranium production as of October 31, citing increasing financial constraints.

Sopamin, a minority shareholder in Somaïr, denounces a lack of consultation and a breach of governance and transparency principles. In a document dated October 31, the Nigerien company highlights that this suspension, unilaterally decided by Orano, breaks expected best practices among industrial partners.

Reasons for Orano’s suspension

Orano justifies this decision with several factors, including the withdrawal of a mining permit for the Imouraren site—one of the world’s largest uranium deposits—by the junta in June. Additionally, the closure of the Niger-Benin border complicates the export of extracted uranium, representing a major obstacle to the financial viability of the French group’s activities in the country.

In response to the constraints imposed by the Nigerien authorities, Orano proposed transporting extracted uranium to France or Namibia as potential markets. However, according to the group, this alternative received no response from the authorities in Niamey, which accelerated the decision to suspend Somaïr’s operations.

Measures taken by the Nigerien junta to maintain activity

To counter Orano’s shutdown, Niger announced its intention to purchase 210 tons of uranium through Sopamin to support Somaïr’s operations. The Nigerien government claims this is a temporary measure to ensure uranium production continues in the country, despite export blockages caused by the suspension. In fact, 1,050 tons of uranium—around half of Somaïr’s average annual output—are currently stockpiled and estimated at a market value of 300 million euros.

A context of tension and diversification of partners

Since the July 2023 coup, the Nigerien military government has repeatedly expressed a desire to review foreign companies’ terms for exploiting natural resources. This approach aligns with a goal of increasing national benefits from the country’s natural wealth, particularly in the strategic uranium sector, where Niger is one of the largest global producers.

In September, Niger took a further step toward independence by approving the creation of the “Timersoi National Uranium Company” (TNUC), a new state-owned company dedicated to uranium exploitation. This move reflects an ambition to strengthen state control over natural resources and may signal a strategic shift in the nuclear energy sector.

The historical role of Orano in Niger’s uranium industry

Present in Niger since 1971, Orano is a historical player in uranium extraction in the country. The French group ceased operations at the Akokan Mining Company (Cominak) in 2021, leaving Somaïr as the last active site. The relationship between Orano and Niger remains marked by decades of cooperation but also by recurring tensions regarding the distribution of profits from natural resources.

For Orano, the current situation raises strategic and economic questions about its future involvement in Niger. Export blockages and political instability may lead the group to reconsider its position in the region, as the Nigerien junta explores new partnerships with other powers, including Russia and Iran.

Slovenské elektrárne has signed an agreement with Urenco for the purchase of enriched uranium for the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, strengthening the diversification of its supply sources until the mid-2030s.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorised the restart of the Palisades power plant, marking a key milestone for Holtec in reintegrating this reactor into the US energy mix. —
The Genkai nuclear power plant detected the intrusion of three unidentified drones, prompting an immediate investigation by Japanese authorities into this unusual incident with potential national security implications.
KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.
Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
NANO Nuclear Energy assembles and tests its annular induction pump prototype, marking progress for its microreactor programmes and paving the way for potential commercialisation of the technology.
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.