Niger Nationalises French-Controlled Uranium Mine

The government of Niger has formally announced the nationalisation of the Somair uranium mine, ending over five decades of French dominance in the country’s nuclear mineral sector. The move, targeting French nuclear energy company Orano, reflects a growing wave of resource nationalism across West Africa as military-led governments assert control over extractive industries historically controlled by foreign interests.

Somair, previously a joint venture between Orano (63%) and Niger’s state-owned Sopamin (37%), is the country’s sole active uranium mine and has long been a strategic economic asset for both Niger and France.

“Faced with the irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour of Orano — a company owned by a state openly hostile to Niger since July 26, 2023 — the government has decided, in full sovereignty, to nationalise Somair,” read a government statement aired on national television.

Niger Accuses Orano of Exploitation

The Nigerien authorities accuse Orano of extracting 86.3% of uranium output from Somair between 1971 and 2024 — a figure far exceeding its equity stake. Officials also cited “other irresponsible actions” at the site, including halting production, removing French staff, and severing IT infrastructure links, which they say have harmed the mine’s operations.

This nationalisation follows the government’s decision in 2024 to revoke Orano’s operating licence for the massive Imouraren mine, which holds uranium reserves exceeding 200,000 tonnes.

“Orano’s conduct demonstrates a colonial-era posture that is no longer acceptable. Our natural resources must now serve the Nigerien people,” stated a government spokesperson.

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Orano Reacts: Legal Challenge Looms

Orano, 90% owned by the French state, has denounced the move as a “systematic expropriation” and vowed to pursue international legal action, demanding compensation and asserting rights to existing uranium stockpiles.

“This expropriation is a clear violation of bilateral agreements. Orano reserves all legal rights, including criminal proceedings if necessary,” the company said in a statement.

It marks the first time Niger has fully seized control of an Orano asset, despite the firm operating in the country for more than 50 years. Orano had earlier signalled potential plans to exit Niger amid mounting tensions, with reported interest from Russian and Chinese buyers.

Geopolitical Realignment in the Sahel

The seizure is part of a wider regional shift. Since seizing power in a July 2023 coup, Niger’s military government has severed ties with France, accusing the former colonial power of meddling in domestic affairs and “supporting terrorism in the Sahel” — claims France denies.

In tandem, Burkina Faso and Mali, both under military rule, have also nationalised foreign-operated mines and enacted laws to increase state stakes in resource ventures. This marks a pan-Sahelian movement to reclaim economic sovereignty and resist perceived neo-colonial exploitation.

“We are witnessing the end of an era — where African wealth was extracted with impunity. The Sahel is rising,” commented a Pan-African analyst based in Bamako.

Strategic Importance of Uranium

Niger is the seventh-largest uranium producer globally, and Somair supplies a significant portion of France’s nuclear energy needs. The nationalisation could have long-term implications for Europe’s energy security, as Niger also blocked uranium exports from Somair earlier this year.

The military government has been in conflict with Orano since December, when authorities raided the company’s local offices and arrested senior staff. Arbitration proceedings are ongoing in multiple jurisdictions.

Regional Trends and Future Prospects

The Nigerien state has reiterated its commitment to compensate former shareholders in line with international legal obligations, but insists that resource control is a sovereign right, especially in light of decades of limited benefit to local communities.

“For too long, the wealth beneath our soil enriched others while our people remained poor. That era is over,” said Colonel Abarchi Ousmane, Niger’s Minister of Mines.

Meanwhile, investors and analysts are watching closely as nationalisation trends ripple across West Africa, raising concerns over contract security but also highlighting the urgent need for equitable resource governance.

With critical minerals like uranium, gold, lithium, and coltan at the centre of new geopolitical contests, the Sahel is emerging not just as a security hotspot, but as a battleground for economic justice and sovereignty in the 21st century.