Niger’s military government has announced the nationalisation of the Somair uranium mining venture, escalating tensions with France and continuing a broader regional trend of reclaiming control over natural resources.
The move, disclosed in a televised government statement on Thursday, brings an end to French nuclear fuel giant Orano’s long-standing role in the project. The government accused the French state-backed firm of “irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behaviour”, citing its continued association with a country that Niger described as “openly hostile” since the July 26, 2023 coup.
“In full sovereignty, the government of Niger has decided to nationalise Somair,” the statement said, alleging that the current mining agreement expired in December 2023.
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Orano, which owns 63 percent of Somair, has reportedly been blocked from accessing the mine since the military junta seized power. The remaining 37 percent of the joint venture was held by Niger’s state mining company, Sopamin. Somair, located in northern Niger, has long been a key supplier of uranium for France’s nuclear industry.
The nationalisation is the latest chapter in the deteriorating relationship between Niamey and Paris, and marks a significant assertion of resource sovereignty in West Africa’s Sahel region.
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A regional shift
Niger’s decision mirrors similar moves by fellow junta-led countries Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have accelerated efforts to take control of their extractive industries.
In Burkina Faso, the government recently finalised the transfer of five mining assets—two operating gold mines and three exploration licences—into the hands of its state-owned mining company. The assets had been previously held by subsidiaries of UK-listed Endeavour Mining and Lilium.
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The transferred entities include Wahgnion Gold SA, SEMAFO Boungou SA, Ressources Ferké SARL, Gryphon Minerals Burkina Faso SARL, and Lilium Mining Services Burkina Faso SARL.
With uranium, gold, and other minerals at stake, Niger and its neighbours appear determined to rewrite the rules of engagement with international firms—placing national interest at the centre of resource management.
