Niger’s military government has revoked the operating permit of a French fuel producer at one of the world’s largest uranium mines, according to the company.
Orano had been licensed to operate at the Imouraren mine in northern Niger, which holds an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium crucial for nuclear energy production. The West African nation had previously warned that Orano’s permit would be withdrawn if work did not resume at the site, which had experienced significant delays in production.
Orano announced on June 11 that work had recommenced, just ahead of a looming deadline set for June 19. However, on Thursday, the company disclosed that its permit had been withdrawn. This move comes amidst strained relations between France and Niger’s ruling junta, which took power in a coup last year and has since sought closer ties with Russia while reducing connections with France.
The military government had previously expelled French troops involved in combating Islamist militants in the region, marking a low point in Franco-Nigerien relations. Additionally, Niger’s authorities had pledged to review foreign mining agreements after assuming power.
Orano expressed concern over the impact of the permit withdrawal on the economic and social development of the region. The company stated its intention to explore legal options and emphasized its readiness to engage in dialogue with Nigerien authorities on the matter.
Niger, a major global uranium producer, has not yet responded to Orano’s announcement. The Imouraren mine was slated to begin production in 2015 but faced setbacks following a decline in global uranium prices after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Orano has been active in Niger for over half a century, operating another uranium mine in Arlit while a facility in Akokan has been closed since 2021.