Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR

Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.

Share:

The French company Orano has officially responded to the recent announcement by Niger’s government regarding the forthcoming nationalization of Société des Mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR), a mining entity operated as a joint venture since 1968. Orano had previously shared governance of SOMAÏR with Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger (SOPAMIN), the body representing Niger’s interests in the joint venture.

Orano denounces contractual violation

According to Orano’s public statements, the Nigerien authorities’ decision constitutes a direct violation of existing agreements governing the joint management of SOMAÏR. Since the military takeover in 2023, Orano claims to have repeatedly attempted to open channels of dialogue and negotiation, efforts which have remained unanswered. The French company also deplores actions described as the spoliation of its mining assets in Niger. The group further points to misinformation and defamation campaigns against it, further deteriorating already strained bilateral relations.

This decision announced by the Nigerien government represents another step in a series of actions initiated since December 2024. At that time, Orano had already reported effectively losing operational control over its local subsidiaries, due, according to the company, to illegal maneuvers conducted by representatives of Niger’s state. In this context, Orano has initiated several international arbitration proceedings to seek compensation for the damages suffered.

Potential impact on local mining activities

The French company also expressed significant concern regarding the impacts of these decisions on its Nigerien employees as well as on local communities dependent on SOMAÏR’s activities. This planned nationalization could lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty within the mining subsidiaries, potentially jeopardizing the socio-economic stability of the region. Up to now, Nigerien authorities have not detailed the specific implementation procedures of the nationalization nor potential compensation planned for Orano.

Furthermore, Orano is considering extending its legal claims to current mineral stocks held by SOMAÏR, thus asserting full recognition of its financial rights. This legal conflict could set a significant precedent for foreign investments in West Africa’s mining sector. Pending arbitration, the situation remains sensitive and complex for all involved parties.

Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.
Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.
Framatome has secured two significant contracts from Electrabel covering modernisation and technical support for the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear reactors, as part of their extension agreed upon between Engie and the Belgian government.
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.