Niger has revoked the operating licence that was issued to Orano, a French firm, to explore uranium at the Imouraren uranium mine, one of the world’s largest uranium deposits, amid rising tensions between France and Niger’s ruling junta.
The decision was taken on Monday, 24th June 2024, according to a top journalist in the West African nation who spoke to this portal.
The Nigerien government had warned of the revocation if work had not begun by June 19, which Orano claims to have complied with.
The company, which has been in Niger since 1971, said it is open to dialogue with the government but maintained that it reserves the right to contest the decision in national or international courts.
Niger, a key uranium supplier to Europe, has turned against France since the junta took power in July last year, favouring ties with Russia and Iran.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com