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French state-owned nuclear fuel company Orano is currently considering the sale of its uranium assets in Niger following a strained relationship with the country’s military rulers. Orano, which operates three mines in Niger in collaboration with the Russian-backed government, has faced challenges after being stripped of rights over one project and facing financial pressures that led to the suspension of work at another mine.
The breakdown in Orano’s relationship with Niger can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2023 coup that saw the overthrow of the country’s pro-western government. Since then, Niger has blocked uranium exports and stopped payments to Orano as joint venture partners. This has prompted Orano to explore the possibility of selling its assets in Niger, as reported by sources familiar with the matter.
The potential withdrawal of Orano from Niger signifies a broader decline in French influence in the region, highlighting the shortcomings of its “Françafrique” policy aimed at maintaining influence in former colonies. Recent years have seen France withdrawing troops from Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso, further underscoring the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The sales process for Orano’s Niger assets is expected to be politically sensitive, given the French government’s majority ownership of the company. Reports suggest that Russian and Chinese buyers are showing interest in acquiring the assets, adding to the complexity of the situation. Orano has initiated international arbitration cases against the state and legal proceedings against the junta following a raid on its offices by Niger’s intelligence agency.
While Orano has refrained from commenting on the sales process, it has acknowledged the interest from multiple parties in its mining assets in Niger. Curzon Uranium, a part of the Curzon group, has expressed interest in acquiring the assets, with founder Nick Clarke emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to resume uranium production.
Niger’s significance in the global uranium market cannot be understated, as it accounts for about 5% of global output and supplies a significant portion of France’s natural uranium needs. With increasing demand for nuclear energy worldwide, analysts have raised concerns about a potential uranium supply crunch, underscoring the importance of resolving the situation in Niger.
The geopolitical landscape in west and central Africa has seen a shift towards closer ties with Russia, as countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have moved away from their former colonial powers. These nations have implemented new mining codes to secure a greater share of mining revenues, reflecting a broader trend towards resource nationalism in the region.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the potential sale of Orano’s Niger assets will impact the global uranium market and the geopolitical dynamics in the region. Stay informed for updates on this developing story.
