Niger has announced the nationalisation of the Somair uranium mine, a significant move that escalates tensions between the West African country and France. The decision, made public via state media, transfers full ownership of the mine from French state-owned company Orano to the Nigerien government.
Orano, which held a 63% stake in Somair, has operated in Niger for over five decades. The Nigerien government accused Orano of taking a disproportionate share of the mine’s production, claiming that between 1971 and 2024, the company received 86.3% of the uranium extracted. In response, Orano has condemned the nationalisation as a breach of agreements and has initiated legal proceedings against the Nigerien government.
The nationalisation aligns with a broader trend in the Sahel region, where military-led governments in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso are asserting greater control over natural resources and reducing foreign influence. Niger’s military junta, which came to power in a 2023 coup, has increasingly distanced itself from France and sought closer ties with Russia.
Despite the tensions, Niger’s primary mine workers’ union, SYNTRAMIN, has expressed support for the nationalisation, stating that uranium production will continue under state management.
The Somair mine, located in the Agadez region, is one of the world’s largest uranium producers and plays a critical role in global nuclear fuel supply chains. Niger is the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, and the nationalisation of Somair marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to assert control over its natural resources.
