Niger Ousts France’s Orano in Favor of Russia in Uranium Mining

On 8 November 2024, Niger Minister of Mines Ousmane Abarchi announced that Niger is in advanced talks with Russian companies to invest in the uranium and the mining of other minerals. Niger has one of the largest reserves of uranium and is currently ranked as the 6th largest producer of the metal which has both strategic civilian and military applications.

Following the military coup in July 2023 which saw the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, the military junta has been taking bold steps to shift its diplomatic stance away from France towards Russia. In particular, the new regime has ousted the French state firm Orano (formerly Areva) and calling for Russia to replace France.

In an interview with Russian’s Novosti Press Agency, Minister Abarchi stated: “We have already met with Russian companies that are interested in coming to explore and exploit Niger’s natural resources … not only uranium.” On the other hand, the Franch government stated that ‘it does not recognize the new military regime.

Given the conundrum, the new regime has decided to revoke the exploitation rights for uranium. of the French firm Orano. Orano’s mining license at Imouraren mine was revoked in June 2024. Orano operates in Niger under the local company called Somair. Orano holds 63%, while the Niger government has a 37% stake in the JV Somair.

Orano has operated the Imouraren mine since 2000 and it is estimated that it has injected more than EUR 1 billion into the project. Niger accounts for 5% of the uranium production globally, but supplies nearly 25% of Europe needs for the fissile material.

France relies up heavily on uranium with up to 65% of its electricity generated by nuclear plants. Nearly 20% of its uranium needs come from Niger. However, other countries such as Nambia, Australia, Kazakstan or Uzbekistan may be able to compensate for the shortfall.