Niger Takes Action Against Orano’s Uranium Operations
Niger’s military government has revoked French nuclear fuel producer Orano’s operating license for the Imouraren mine, one of the world’s largest uranium reserves, amid ongoing efforts to sever ties with former colonial power France.
Orano, a state-owned company, confirmed on Thursday, that it has been instructed to cease operations at the northern Niger mine, which holds an estimated 200,000 tons of uranium, crucial for both nuclear energy and weaponry.
According to newsmen, the Nigerien Ministry of Mining had previously warned of license revocation if development at the Imouraren mine did not commence by June 19.
Orano stated in response that it had recently resumed activities at the site, reopening infrastructure to accommodate construction teams. The company emphasized that its actions were in accordance with the directives of Niger’s government, which assumed power following a coup in July last year.
