Niger’s military JUNTA said it will nationalize the French Uranium company with the latest escalation between the two countries.
Soma is operated by Orano, a French fuel company, and Niger condemns some “irresponsible behavior.”
Since the occupation of power in 2023, Nice’s military leaders have maintained more regional control over the mineral assets of this country and said they are getting closer to Russia because they are far from France.
Niger is the seventh largest uranium producer in the world and has the highest grade ore in Africa.
In his statement, Junta said, “This nationalization will allow the company’s healthier and sustainable management, and as a result, it is to enjoy wealth from the mining resources of Nigeriens.”
Orano, owned by the French state, has also accused him of eliminating more than uranium’s fair proportions.
Orano has not yet mentioned.
The company, which has been operated in Niger for decades, owns 63%of Soma, but last year, military authorities seized the company’s operation control.
According to Reuters, Ora began legal action against Niger.
Niger achieved independence in France in 1960, and the previous colonial power was able to secure an exclusive approach to Niger’s uranium supply through various contracts.
Analysts said that this was considered a symbol of the continuous domination of the state by the French.
But they also pointed out that uncertainties in the future of mining sectors could threaten hundreds of jobs and export imports.
Earlier this week, the neighboring Mars announced that they would establish a gold refinery partnership with a large Russian company.
Like Niger, he is under military control and said he wants to claim more economic control over minerals by cutting his relationship with France and the West.
