The French state-owned nuclear fuel company Orano, holding a 63% stake in the Somair uranium mine, announced that Niger's government has assumed control.
This follows the June 2024 revocation of a key mining permit, which triggered export blockades, halting operations in October due to financial and logistical issues. Orano confirmed it has lost operational control.
This comes against the backdrop of Niger's tense relationship with France, which refuses to recognize the military government. A key part of the Nigerien government's policy is to reassess foreign mining operations and reform regulations to maximize the country's control over its significant uranium reserves, which account for 4% of the global supply.
On July 26, 2023, Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a coup led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani to avoid "the gradual and inevitable demise" of the country. Following the takeover, military cooperation with Western countries, including France, significantly decreased.