Connection

popular articles

IEA launches emissions comparison for electric and combustion-powered cars
Socio-Economic Assessment of the Hartlepool Nuclear Reactor Project
Fire on a Tanker in the Baltic Sea: 7 Sailors Rescued in Germany
Ecolectro raises $10.5M to deploy its AEM electrolyzer technology
Australia bans mining of Jabiluka uranium deposit

Orano loses control of its subsidiary in Niger: 1,150 tons of uranium blocked

Orano loses control of its subsidiary in Niger: 1,150 tons of uranium blocked

Please share:

The French uranium specialist Orano has announced the loss of operational control of its subsidiary Somaïr (Société des mines de l’Aïr), whose shareholding is divided between Orano (63.4%) and the State of Niger (36.6%). This loss of control occurs amidst growing tensions between France and Niger, led by a military regime following the coup d’état of July 2023.

Since coming to power, the military junta has emphasized energy sovereignty, particularly regarding uranium. As early as June 2024, it withdrew Orano’s license to operate the mega Imouraren deposit, a reserve of 200,000 tons of uranium. In October, Orano announced the suspension of Somaïr’s production, effective October 31, due to deteriorating working conditions.

Financial deterioration and blocked stocks

Somaïr’s governance has become a major point of contention. According to Orano, decisions made during board meetings, such as the suspension of production expenses adopted on November 12, are no longer implemented. These expenses, maintained against the group’s recommendations, worsen the company’s financial situation.

Currently, 1,150 tons of uranium concentrate from the 2023 and 2024 stocks, representing nearly half of the site’s annual average production, are blocked. These stocks, valued at €200 million, cannot be exported due to the refusal expressed by Nigerien authorities.

A strategy of opening to other partners

Niger, which represents 4.7% of global natural uranium production, seeks to diversify its partners. In November, Niger’s Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, invited Russian companies to explore and exploit the country’s natural resources. This approach illustrates a clear diplomatic repositioning aimed at reducing dependency on France.

These initiatives, combined with the export ban imposed on Orano, deepen the tensions between the former colonizer and Niger while arousing international interest in the country’s strategic resources.

Social impacts and possible legal recourse

Orano has expressed regret over this situation, which affects not only Somaïr’s employees but also local communities. In its statement, the group reiterated its intention to defend its rights before competent bodies. However, it insists on the need for constructive dialogue to achieve a stable and sustainable operation.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Canada validates a 99% emissions reduction for EverWind’s green hydrogen project
Canada inaugurates a 19 km pipeline to support $4.5 billion in investments
United States: Hull Street Energy sells a 53 MW power plant in Montana
The United States will receive 4.4 GWh of LG batteries for Aptera solar vehicles
Shell launches Whale with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day

Recently published in

Transdniestria Faces Energy Crisis: Appeals to Moscow to Prevent Humanitarian Catastrophe

The separatist authorities of Transdniestria, grappling with the halt of Russian gas deliveries, are calling on Moscow for help to prevent a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by power outages and an economy on the brink of collapse.
Serbia demands Gazprom to cede 56% of NIS shares
Faced with US sanctions targeting Russian oil, Serbia is negotiating with Moscow to ensure the full withdrawal of Russian shares in its main gas supplier, NIS, 56% owned by Gazprom and Gazprom Neft.
en_11401209540
Serbia demands Gazprom to cede 56% of NIS shares
Faced with US sanctions targeting Russian oil, Serbia is negotiating with Moscow to ensure the full withdrawal of Russian shares in its main gas supplier, NIS, 56% owned by Gazprom and Gazprom Neft.
en_11401209540
Germany Rescues Distressed Tanker Accused of Belonging to Russian “Ghost Fleet”
A tanker carrying 99,000 tons of oil, stranded in the Baltic Sea, has been secured by German rescue operations. The incident reignites debates over Russia's "ghost fleet" and its environmental implications.
en_11401218540
Germany Rescues Distressed Tanker Accused of Belonging to Russian “Ghost Fleet”
A tanker carrying 99,000 tons of oil, stranded in the Baltic Sea, has been secured by German rescue operations. The incident reignites debates over Russia's "ghost fleet" and its environmental implications.
en_11401218540
The United States sanctions Gazprom Neft and 200 Russian ships worth $23 billion
Washington and London impose historic sanctions on the Russian energy sector, targeting Gazprom Neft and a fleet of 200 ships. Moscow accuses the U.S. of global destabilization, while Biden defends the strategic impact.
en_11401217540
The United States sanctions Gazprom Neft and 200 Russian ships worth $23 billion
Washington and London impose historic sanctions on the Russian energy sector, targeting Gazprom Neft and a fleet of 200 ships. Moscow accuses the U.S. of global destabilization, while Biden defends the strategic impact.
en_11401217540

Lithuania secures a strategic link with Poland for its European network

Lithuania strengthens the protection of the LitPol Link, its critical connection with Poland, ahead of its planned disconnection from the Russian power grid in February.
The Development of Strategic Electric Interconnections
Electric interconnections have reshaped global energy systems, enabling cross-border cooperation and economic stability. Rooted in Oxford Energy Institute research, this piece highlights key agreements, technological milestones, and the diplomatic strategies driving these transformative infrastructures.
en_11401129540
The Development of Strategic Electric Interconnections
Electric interconnections have reshaped global energy systems, enabling cross-border cooperation and economic stability. Rooted in Oxford Energy Institute research, this piece highlights key agreements, technological milestones, and the diplomatic strategies driving these transformative infrastructures.
en_11401129540
The United Kingdom faces criticism from Donald Trump after record-high oil taxation in the North Sea
Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, attacks the United Kingdom's energy policies, blaming high taxes in the North Sea for pushing companies like APA Corporation to exit the region by 2029.
en_11401133540
The United Kingdom faces criticism from Donald Trump after record-high oil taxation in the North Sea
Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, attacks the United Kingdom's energy policies, blaming high taxes in the North Sea for pushing companies like APA Corporation to exit the region by 2029.
en_11401133540
Turkey Provides 58 GW of Electricity to Northern Syria in 2024
Turkey Provides 58 GW of Electricity to Northern Syria in 2024
en_11401126540
Turkey Provides 58 GW of Electricity to Northern Syria in 2024
Turkey Provides 58 GW of Electricity to Northern Syria in 2024
en_11401126540

Underwater Sabotage in the Baltic: Sweden Aids Investigation on the EstLink 2 Cable

An undersea cable linking Finland and Estonia has been damaged in the Baltic Sea. Suspected of belonging to the Russian "ghost fleet," the tanker Eagle S is at the center of investigations, reinforced by a Swedish naval vessel.
Moldova reduces industrial activity by 80% in Transnistria after gas cutoff
The halt of Russian gas deliveries in Transnistria triggers a significant industrial decline, emphasizing critical energy and economic tensions in the unrecognized region.
en_11401100540
Moldova reduces industrial activity by 80% in Transnistria after gas cutoff
The halt of Russian gas deliveries in Transnistria triggers a significant industrial decline, emphasizing critical energy and economic tensions in the unrecognized region.
en_11401100540
Bulgaria and Hungary invest in two green corridors to Central Europe
Bulgarian and Hungarian ministers discussed ambitious energy projects aimed at strengthening regional energy security, including two green corridors and initiatives to diversify supply chains.
en_11401096540
Bulgaria and Hungary invest in two green corridors to Central Europe
Bulgarian and Hungarian ministers discussed ambitious energy projects aimed at strengthening regional energy security, including two green corridors and initiatives to diversify supply chains.
en_11401096540
United States Targets Houthis in Yemen with Seven Drones Destroyed
Recent U.S. strikes in Yemen targeted critical Houthi infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of seven drones and missiles amid heightened tensions over Red Sea maritime routes.
en_11401107540
United States Targets Houthis in Yemen with Seven Drones Destroyed
Recent U.S. strikes in Yemen targeted critical Houthi infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of seven drones and missiles amid heightened tensions over Red Sea maritime routes.
en_11401107540

Ukraine ends Russian gas transit, impacting 14 billion m³ annually

The interruption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine affects 14 billion cubic meters annually, triggering major political and economic consequences for Eastern Europe.
Niger Accuses Nigeria of Supporting an Attack on Strategic Pipeline
Niger accuses Nigeria of involvement in an attack on its pipeline to Benin. This incident highlights growing political and economic tensions in the region.
en_11401066540
Niger Accuses Nigeria of Supporting an Attack on Strategic Pipeline
Niger accuses Nigeria of involvement in an attack on its pipeline to Benin. This incident highlights growing political and economic tensions in the region.
en_11401066540
Houthi: Drone Attack on a Maersk Ship off Yemen’s Coast
A Maersk vessel was struck by a drone attack claimed by Houthi rebels near Socotra, reigniting concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea amidst escalating regional tensions.
en_11401040540
Houthi: Drone Attack on a Maersk Ship off Yemen’s Coast
A Maersk vessel was struck by a drone attack claimed by Houthi rebels near Socotra, reigniting concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea amidst escalating regional tensions.
en_11401040540
Turkey Deploys Energy Mission to Rebuild Syria
Turkey sends a delegation to Damascus to assess energy infrastructure and accelerate Syria's reconstruction after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
en_11401048540
Turkey Deploys Energy Mission to Rebuild Syria
Turkey sends a delegation to Damascus to assess energy infrastructure and accelerate Syria's reconstruction after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
en_11401048540

Moldova faces Gazprom amid $700 million debt dispute

Gazprom suspends gas deliveries to Moldova starting January 1, citing a $700 million debt dispute. This interruption, in the midst of political tensions, underscores the country's energy dependency.
Slovakia Faces €150 Million Increase in Russian Gas Costs
The halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine threatens energy supplies in Eastern Europe. Slovakia could face a €150 million cost increase, amplifying political and economic tensions.
en_11401044540
Slovakia Faces €150 Million Increase in Russian Gas Costs
The halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine threatens energy supplies in Eastern Europe. Slovakia could face a €150 million cost increase, amplifying political and economic tensions.
en_11401044540
Estonia Strengthens Security for Its Electric Network After Incident in the Baltic Sea
Following the rupture of the EstLink 2 cable connecting Finland and Estonia, Tallinn deploys its navy to protect underwater energy infrastructure, highlighting the urgency of ensuring regional energy security.
en_11401042540
Estonia Strengthens Security for Its Electric Network After Incident in the Baltic Sea
Following the rupture of the EstLink 2 cable connecting Finland and Estonia, Tallinn deploys its navy to protect underwater energy infrastructure, highlighting the urgency of ensuring regional energy security.
en_11401042540
Finland Investigates Undersea Sabotage Involving Russian Tanker in the Baltic Sea
Finland suspects a Russian ship of damaging an undersea cable connecting the country to Estonia. NATO and regional states are mobilizing in response to the growing threat.
en_11401046540
Finland Investigates Undersea Sabotage Involving Russian Tanker in the Baltic Sea
Finland suspects a Russian ship of damaging an undersea cable connecting the country to Estonia. NATO and regional states are mobilizing in response to the growing threat.
en_11401046540

Ukraine Accuses Slovakia of Blocking €2 Billion Gas Transit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of rejecting alternatives to Russian gas, jeopardizing a €2 billion annual transit agreement with the European Union.
Steelhead LNG accuses Cedar LNG of exploiting data for $1 billion
Steelhead LNG files a lawsuit against Cedar LNG and its partners in British Columbia, alleging illegal use of confidential data tied to a $1 billion energy project.
en_11401026540
Steelhead LNG accuses Cedar LNG of exploiting data for $1 billion
Steelhead LNG files a lawsuit against Cedar LNG and its partners in British Columbia, alleging illegal use of confidential data tied to a $1 billion energy project.
en_11401026540
Germany Approves Elimination of Cross-Border Gas Tax by 2025
The Bundestag has approved the elimination of the controversial neutrality tax on cross-border gas flows, a long-awaited change that will impact energy exchanges across Europe starting January 2025.
en_11401010540
Germany Approves Elimination of Cross-Border Gas Tax by 2025
The Bundestag has approved the elimination of the controversial neutrality tax on cross-border gas flows, a long-awaited change that will impact energy exchanges across Europe starting January 2025.
en_11401010540
Drone Attack in Russia Hits Oryol Depot with 20 Devices
The fuel depot in Stalnoy Kon, Oryol region, Russia, was targeted by a drone attack involving 20 devices, intensifying tensions around strategic energy infrastructure.
en_11401002540
Drone Attack in Russia Hits Oryol Depot with 20 Devices
The fuel depot in Stalnoy Kon, Oryol region, Russia, was targeted by a drone attack involving 20 devices, intensifying tensions around strategic energy infrastructure.
en_11401002540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS