French uranium mining company Orano has raised concerns after losing contact with its representative in Niger, amid escalating tensions between the firm and the West African country’s military-led government.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Orano said it was informed that Nigerien security forces raided the offices of its local subsidiaries—Somair, Cominak, and Orano Mining Niger—on Monday in the capital, Niamey. During the operation, authorities reportedly seized equipment.
“We are deeply concerned about the current situation, especially as we have been unable to reach our company representative in Niger,” Orano stated. The company added that its insight into developments on the ground is limited, as it no longer has operational control over its Niger-based entities.
Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated significantly since the 2023 military coup, with Orano becoming caught in the political fallout. The firm has been embroiled in a legal dispute with Niger’s government and has initiated two international arbitration proceedings.
Orano previously held at least a 60% stake in the three uranium operations and claims that approximately 1,300 tonnes of uranium—worth nearly $300 million—remain stranded at the Somair site.
The unfolding situation signals deepening fractures in cooperation between France and Niger, a nation critical to global uranium supply.
