African Critical Minerals: Niger, a country in the Sahel region, has nationalized France's Orano's SOMAIR uranium mine. ¬ The Niger government has taken full control of its only active uranium mine, SOMAIR, depriving Orano of 63.4% of its shares. ¬ Officials accused Orano of misappropriating production, poor management, and destabilizing local business operations. ¬ Since the coup in 2023, Niger and France have seen broader political differences, with arbitration ongoing. Niger nationalized its only active uranium mine after the military coup in 2023, escalating tensions with Orano. The government approved full takeover of the SOMAIR uranium mine on June 19. Previously, Orano held majority ownership with 63.4% of the shares. The state-owned mining company SOMAPIN holds the remaining 36.6%. SOMAIR is now fully controlled by the Nigerian government. The committee pointed out multiple violations in the management of the mine. Authorities in Niamey (the capital) claimed that since 1971, Orano has occupied 86.3% of the uranium production, far exceeding its shareholding. SOMAPIN should have received a certain proportion but only got 9.2%. The government also accused Orano of attempting to stop mining operations by repatriating French employees and initiating a "disinformation campaign" among suppliers, customers, subcontractors, and employees. Niamey noted that the last mining agreement expired on December 31, 2023. Orano has not yet responded to these allegations. In December 2024, Orano admitted it had lost operational control of SOMAIR to local authorities. Earlier, Niamey blocked Orano's exports in June 2024 and revoked the license for another uranium mine, EMOLOUREN. This year, Orano condemned the arrest and "arbitrary detention" of its offices. The company has initiated international arbitration against Niger. Orano and Niger are embroiled in political conflicts. The tensions between Niger and Orano arose after the coup in July 2023, which brought General Abdourahmane Tiani to power. Niger accused Orano's major shareholder, France, of supporting terrorism in the Sahel region and hostile actions against Niger. Orano now faces the consequences of deteriorating Franco-Nigerien relations. Niamey promised compensation to shareholders whose equity transferred to the state. The government stated it would cover all legal obligations, including mine restoration costs. However, the company did not explain how expenditures will be calculated and already accused Orano of failing to restore the Kominaik mine, another uranium mine operated by Orano until 2021. There are reports of Russia showing interest in SOMAIR's uranium since the coup in Niger. The government has not announced plans for this mine and stated that the current management will remain in place until new management takes over. Source: ecofinagency Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835555461236748/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views.