France’s Orano Launches Arbitration Against Niger Over Mining License Dispute

Orano, a French multinational, initiates arbitration proceedings against Niger following the government’s decision to revoke its mining license, raising tensions over uranium mining operations in the region.

On Friday, the French nuclear fuel company Orano initiated international arbitration proceedings against Niger.

This action comes after months of unsuccessful mediation and conciliation efforts, following Niamey’s decision in June to revoke the license of Orano’s subsidiary, Imouraren.

The mine located in northern Niger contains an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium but remains unexploited.

Mining at the site was initially scheduled to begin in 2015; however, development came to a standstill following the drop in global uranium prices after the Japanese nuclear disaster of 2011.

After years of delays, Niger cautioned that the license would expire on June 19 unless work recommenced at the site.

Orano stated that the withdrawal announcement followed their presentation of a concrete proposal to Niger, aimed at commencing exploitation of the uranium deposit at the site.

Earlier this month, Orano announced that the authorities had taken control of its Somair uranium mine. The French company owns 63.4% of this mine, with the remaining portion owned by the State of Niger.

Niger’s military-controlled government, which seized power through a coup in July of the previous year, has increased pressure on foreign investors over recent months.

The country has openly expressed its intention to restructure its mining sector as it shifts relations from Western nations to new partners.

Niger produces approximately 4% of the world’s uranium, which is the most commonly utilized fuel for nuclear energy.