Niger Junta Strips French Uranium Giant of Mining Permit Amid Rising Tensions

The Nigerien military junta has revoked the operating permit for a large uranium mine from the French company Orano, escalating tensions with former colonial power France. This decision comes amid the junta's commitment to reassess mining concessions and sever Western ties, impacting Niger's significant uranium exports.

In a significant escalation in the strained relations between Niger and France, the Nigerien military junta has withdrawn the operating permit for a major uranium mine from the French company Orano. The decision underscores the junta's intent to reassess mining concessions and sever ties with Western powers.

Niger, a crucial uranium supplier to the European Union, saw over a quarter of its uranium sourced by the bloc last year. The Imouraren mine, one of the largest global deposits, had recently resumed operations amid favorable market conditions. However, the junta cited unmet expectations in the exploitation plan, forcing the mine back into the public domain.

Orano, with a 50-year history in Niger, expressed willingness to maintain dialogue but hinted at potential legal action. This development follows a broader trend of the military leadership distancing the country from Western influences and reassessing foreign partnerships.

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