Niger Nationalises Somair Uranium Mine
The government of Niger has announced that it will take full control of the Somair uranium mine, previously managed under a joint venture with France’s nuclear company, Orano. This decision intensifies the already strained relationship between Niger and France, particularly following the July 2023 military coup that led to a shift in the country’s leadership and foreign policy stance.
According to an official statement broadcast on national television, the Nigerien authorities accused Orano of acting in a manner they described as irresponsible and illegal. They argued that the uranium mining agreement, which expired in December 2023, had not been renewed and that Orano, as a state-owned French entity, had become unwelcome due to the broader diplomatic fallout.
Uranium markets
The Somair joint venture was previously operated with Orano holding a 63% stake, while the remaining shares were held by Niger’s state mining company, Sopamin. Since the political transition in 2023, Orano has been excluded from the site, prompting the company to pursue international arbitration and legal proceedings within Niger. Orano has also raised concerns about the treatment of its staff and the seizure of its property by the military-led government.
In May 2025, Orano revealed it was considering divesting its uranium interests in Niger due to the worsening political and operational climate. The move to nationalise Somair signals a broader shift by Niger’s leadership towards asserting greater sovereignty over its natural resources and moving away from long-standing partnerships with Western companies.
The decision may have wider implications for global uranium markets, given Niger’s role as a significant supplier, and could raise concerns among foreign investors about the stability and predictability of doing business in the country.
