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French nuclear fuels company Orano announced On Wednesday that authorities in Niger have taken control of its Somair uranium mine. This move is part of an ongoing effort by the military-led government to intensify pressure on foreign investors in the country.
Orano, which owns a 63% stake in the mine, revealed that decisions made at Somair’s board meetings are no longer being enforced. The remaining 37% of the mine is owned by Niger.
At its peak, Niger accounted for roughly 15% of Orano’s uranium supplies when its mines operated at full capacity. This latest development follows Niger’s decision in June to revoke Orano’s mining permit for its Imou-raren subsidiary.
The company has also been raising concerns about governance interference at Somair for several months. Operations at the mine were suspended last year after Niger authorities halted exports.
