French uranium specialist Orano said on Wednesday that Nigerien authorities had “taken operational control” of its mining subsidiary in Niger, a new episode of standoff with the ruling junta in this Sahel country, and a outcome of a more aggressive African policy. How disastrous under the Macron era.
But the military regime that came to power in a coup in July 2023 has made sovereignty its priority, particularly on the uranium issue.
In June it withdrew from Oran for the first time the operating permit for the Imouraren mega field and its reserves estimated at 200,000 tonnes.
Then, at the end of October, the French company announced that, faced with a “strongly degraded” situation, its subsidiary would “suspend” production starting October 31, because it could not “continue working” in the country.
“For several months, Orano has been warning about the interference that the group experiences in the governance of Somaïr, of which it is the majority shareholder and operator in Niger”, underlines the French group in its press release on Wednesday.
“In fact, the decisions made in the company’s boards of directors are no longer applied and, in fact, Orano today notes that the Nigerian authorities have taken operational control,” he continues.
– Invitation to Russia –
On November 12, Somaïr’s board of directors approved the suspension of expenses related to mining activities.
“The production costs that continue at the site worsen the company’s financial situation every day,” the French group added on wednesday.
In total, 1,050 tonnes of uranium concentrate from the 2023 and 2024 stockpiles, or almost half of the site’s average annual production, are currently blocked, with an estimated market value of “300 million euros”, according to the group whose capital is 90% owned. by the French state.
This episode illustrates the tensions between Niger and the former colonial power France to which the military regime has turned its back since coming to power.
Uranium could, however, be of interest to other countries: in November, niger’s Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, invited Russian companies to explore and exploit the country’s natural resources.
On Wednesday, Orano expressed “its deepest regret for the evolution of the situation which weighs heavily on employees and local communities.”
It indicates that it “intends to defend its rights with the competent authorities and reaffirms its belief that only the desire shared by all interested parties to re-establish a stable and lasting way of operating will allow activities to be calmly resumed”.
According to 2021 data from the Euratom Supply Agency (ESA), Niger supplies 4.7% of global natural uranium production,far behind Kazakhstan (45.2%).
French arrogance, combined with a diplomacy deliberately destroyed by the Elysée, is leading us to the loss of everything that gave France glory in Africa, and here what made us independent in terms of nuclear fuel.
Should we now, like the united States, buy our uranium from russia?
#Nuclear #independence #French #uranium #giant #Orano #announces #lost #control #subsidiary #Niger
What is teh current situation between the Nigerien government and Orano regarding uranium mining?
interview Between Time.News editor and Uranium Expert
Time.News Editor: Welcome to our discussion today on a pressing issue in global uranium production. We’re honored to have wiht us Dr. Amina Diallo, a renowned expert in uranium mining and policy in Africa. Dr. Diallo, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Amina diallo: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in.The recent developments in Niger have drawn important international attention. Could you give us a brief overview of the situation involving the french company, Orano, and the Nigerien authorities?
Dr. Diallo: Certainly.Orano, which operates the Somaïr mining subsidiary in Niger, has faced increasing tensions with the Nigerien military junta since they came to power in July 2023. Recently, Orano announced that Nigerien authorities have effectively taken operational control of its mining subsidiary, signaling a stark shift in the governance of uranium resources in the country.
Editor: That sounds quite significant. The military regime has emphasized sovereignty, particularly regarding resource management. How does this reflect the broader trends in African resource nationalism under the current political climate?
dr. Diallo: Exactly. The regime’s actions are emblematic of a growing trend across the continent where governments are asserting greater control over natural resources, especially in the wake of perceived exploitation by foreign entities. This is particularly relevant in the context of uranium in Niger, where resource control is tied to national pride and economic strategy.
Editor: earlier this year, the Nigerien government revoked Orano’s operating permit for the Imouraren mega field, which holds considerable reserves. What implications does this have for both Niger and for foreign companies operating in the region?
Dr. Diallo: revoking such a significant permit not only showcases the severe shift in operational ground for foreign companies but also raises questions about the future of international investments in Niger. For the Nigerien government, it’s a move that aims to assert their authority, but it could deter future foreign investments that are crucial for the country’s economic development.
Editor: And more recently, Orano announced a suspension of production due to deteriorating conditions. what does this mean for the global uranium market?
Dr. Diallo: The suspension could have immediate impacts on uranium supply, especially given the increasing demand for nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative. If Orano cannot operate in Niger, and particularly if other companies follow suit, we may see an uptick in uranium prices globally. Its a precarious balance of local sovereignty and the needs of the international market.
Editor: Orano also mentioned in their press release that their governance within the subsidiary was being challenged. How significant is this interference in corporate operations, and what are the potential long-term consequences?
Dr. Diallo: This interference is highly significant.It undermines the contractual agreements that foreign companies operate under and raises concerns over the stability of doing business in niger. For the long term, it could lead to companies reassessing their risk profiles and possibly pulling out of other ventures in the region, which would have cascading effects on local economies that depend on these operations.
Editor: As we look toward the future, what do you foresee in terms of the relationship between African nations and foreign mining companies?
Dr. Diallo: I anticipate that we will see a trend of renegotiation of terms between African governments and foreign companies, driven by a desire for more equitable profit-sharing and local capacity building. There may also be an increase in regional cooperation among African nations to leverage their resources collectively against foreign interests.
Editor: That sounds like a complex but possibly transformative landscape. Thank you for your insights, Dr. Diallo. We appreciate your expertise in shedding light on this critical issue in uranium production and politics.
Dr. Diallo: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to continue discussing these topics as they evolve.
Editor: Absolutely. we’ll keep a close eye on these developments. Thank you to our viewers for joining us, and stay tuned for more updates on global resource management.
