Orano (formerly Areva) operates the sole active uranium mine in Niger, supplying up to 17% of France’s uranium needs.
However, the July 2023 coup strained relations between Paris and Niamey, while the ruling junta strengthened ties with Moscow. Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom, now seeks to gain control of Orano’s uranium assets in Niger, as reported by Bloomberg on June 3rd, citing sources in Moscow and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
Orano holds majority stakes in the operational Somaïr mine and the closed Cominak mine. The French company also controls the Imouraren project, suspended in 2015 due to low uranium prices. Orano’s production accounts for 15-17% of France’s uranium needs and roughly a quarter of the EU’s.
Implications for European Energy Security
If Orano loses its Nigerien assets, it poses a risk to European electricity production, particularly for France, which relies on nuclear power for 65% of its electricity. This situation also exemplifies Russia’s growing influence in Niger at the expense of the former colonizer, France.
Geopolitical Shifts and Strengthening Ties with Russia
Since the July 2023 coup, diplomatic relations between Niamey and Paris have deteriorated, leading to the withdrawal of French troops from Niger. Meanwhile, Russia has supplied weapons and instructors to Niamey and hosted a Nigerien delegation at the Atomexpo forum in Sochi, a flagship event for the Russian nuclear industry.
Niger’s Uranium Landscape
Currently, Orano is Niger’s sole uranium producer, making the country the world’s 7th largest supplier of nuclear fuel. In addition to Canadian companies GoviEx Uranium and Global Atomic, developing significant uranium projects, China National Nuclear Corporation also has a presence in Niger’s uranium sector. Co-owner of the Société des Mines d’Azelik (SOMINA) with the Nigerien state, the Chinese company is preparing to resume uranium mining after a 2014 hiatus due to low prices.