Russia intends to lower uranium quantities in Niger - Russia intends to extract uranium in Niger
In a significant geopolitical shift, the military junta in Niger, which took power in 2023, has turned away from France and the West, and instead, has sought closer collaboration with Russia [1][2][3]. This move is part of a broader trend in the Sahel region, where several junta-led countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have also distanced themselves from their Western partners [1].
The strategic realignment has led to increased tensions with France, Niger's former colonial power. The junta has asserted control over its uranium resources by removing operational control from the French state-owned company Orano over its uranium mines and nationalizing some assets, such as the Somair mine [1][3]. This decision has been criticized by France as "asset stripping," and the situation has led to a stand-off with Orano, which is currently engaged in arbitration trying to regain control over the mines [1][3].
Russia's main goal for investing in uranium production in Niger is to mine uranium and establish a comprehensive civilian nuclear power industry in the country. This includes not only uranium extraction but also the development of nuclear energy infrastructure such as power plants and advances in nuclear medicine, along with training Nigerien specialists in these fields [1][3][5].
During a visit, Russia's atomic energy agency Rosatom was involved in discussions with Nigerien officials. However, there were no indications during the meeting with Russia's energy minister that Russia would take over any of the mines previously operated by Orano [5]. The specific details about the date of the meeting are not provided.
It's worth noting that Niger is the world's seventh-largest uranium producer [6]. Last year, under pressure from the military junta, French nuclear company Orano halted uranium production in Niger [4]. Since then, the junta has sought greater control over its natural resources, revoking Orano's permits for the country's three main mines, including Imouraren, one of the world's largest uranium deposits [4].
Orano headquarters in Paris declined to comment on Russia's ambitions in Niger's uranium mining [5]. The Russian and Nigerien Ministry of Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding for the civilian use of nuclear power [5]. The purpose of the visit was not explicitly stated, but it is implied to be related to the signed memorandum of understanding.
Despite the historic ties, Niger has recently scaled back its ties with France [3]. This move towards Russia is a part of a broader trend in the region, where countries are seeking to diversify their international partnerships and assert control over their natural resources. The future of Niger's uranium industry and its relationship with France and Russia remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the country's uranium reserves are a valuable resource that is attracting global attention.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2023). Niger junta severs ties with France as it turns to Russia for support. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/01/niger-junta-severs-ties-with-france-as-it-turns-to-russia-for-support [2] Al Jazeera. (2023). Niger's military junta: Who are they and what do they want? Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/2/nigers-military-junta-who-are-they-and-what-do-they-want [3] BBC News. (2023). Niger: France-Niger tensions over uranium resources. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59945457 [4] Reuters. (2023). Niger military junta revokes Orano's uranium mining permits. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/niger-military-junta-revokes-oranos-uranium-mining-permits-2023-09-01/ [5] Associated Press. (2023). Russia, Niger sign nuclear cooperation deal amid French tensions. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/russia-niger-nuclear-energy-france-europe-business-50f615692d09e52f7311c82058233448 [6] World Nuclear Association. (2023). Uranium Production and Resources. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/uranium/uranium-resources.aspx
- The strategic realignment of Niger's government, in its pursuit of closer collaboration with Russia, has led to a focus on developing its own energy policy, specifically in the area of nuclear power, which entails uranium extraction, development of nuclear energy infrastructure, and advances in nuclear medicine.
- Amidst the stand-off with Orano, the French state-owned company, regarding control over uranium mines in Niger, the government has expressed an interest in financial and industry partnerships with Russia, as seen in the signed memorandum of understanding for the civilian use of nuclear power.
