Miners in Niger said production at the nationalized uranium mine will continue

The primary mine workers’ union in Niger has endorsed the military government’s decision to nationalize Somair, one of the biggest uranium mines in the world, and stated that production will continue despite conflicts with French operator Orano.

Accusing Orano of stealing an excessive amount of the Somair mine’s output, Niger, which took control of the mine in December, declared last week that it would nationalize it.

Its move is in line with other West African nations’ efforts to boost revenue from their natural resources.

When asked about the claims that it has taken more than its fair share, the French state-owned company Orano did not reply.

It has previously stated its opposition to Niger’s plan and its intention to pursue legal action.

SYNTRAMIN, the National Union of Niger Mine Workers, stated in a statement on Saturday that it supported the “sovereign decision” made by the military authorities of Niger, who took control of the country in a coup in 2023.

Dismissing “decades of pillaging organised for the benefit of foreign interests,” it went on to say, “For more than 50 years… the benefits of this strategic wealth have never fairly benefited Niger,” without offering any supporting documentation.

Niger’s state-owned Sopamin owns the remaining shares in Somair, with Orano owning 63%. Last Monday, the government stated without providing further details that Orano had grabbed 86.3% of production from 1971, when the mine was first opened, and 2024.

Moreover, SYNTRAMIN promised to “mobilise to ensure the continuity of production and optimal valorisation of our resources” under the new governmental supervision.

The seventh-largest producer of uranium in the world is Niger, and Somair is essential to the supply lines for nuclear fuel worldwide.