Niger's uranium in spotlight amid political turmoil

The African country of Niger is currently facing internal turbulences as the elected government has been overthrown by the military power, rejecting the pro-French former leadership. As the political chaos continues, importers of the country's uranium are concerned about supply disruptions.

As reported by Deutsche Welle, former colonial power France is generating approx. two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power plants powered by uranium sourced in Niger, which is partially then exported to other European countries.

Former Minister for Energy of Niger, Mahaman Laouan Gaya, told DW that "everyone in Niger feels this partnership is very unequal", noting, that Niger was paid only €459 million in 2010 even though it exported uranium worth €3.5 billion to France. He further warns, that should Niger decide not to export uranium to France, this will have dramatic consequences for France but little impact on the Nigerien economy.

The publication further recalls Niger's former prime minister and opposition leader, Hama Amadou, statement regarding the mining for uranium, saying "I don't think the new authorities have canceled the uranium mining contracts between France and Niger. [...] So what is the French state afraid of when it comes to its interests in Niger?"

The article also points to the fact, that the largest uranium mine in the Sahara, located near the Nigerien city of Arlit, is 63% owned by France's majority state-owned Orano group, with the remaining share controlled by Sopamin, a Nigerien state-owned company. , owns the remaining 37%.

However, it also noted, that France received about one-fifth of its uranium from Niger, with Central Asian states like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also supplying significant amounts of uranium. Kazakhstan has also signaled its readiness to export more uranium if such a demand should arise.