A dispute over the uranium stockpile claimed by France’s Orano has intensified tensions between Niamey and its former long-time partner following the nationalization of Somaïr. As global interest in nuclear energy picks up again, Niger’s authorities are setting out how they intend to divide output produced before and after taking control of the Arlit site.

In a televised address aired late last week, Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani reaffirmed the government’s position on the uranium stockpile at Somaïr. He said the portion linked to French company Orano’s former stake in the now-nationalized venture can only be calculated on the basis of roughly 156 tons extracted before Nigerien authorities assumed control of the site.

“France is entitled to 63.4% of the 156.231 tons. If they want it shipped tomorrow, we will cover the transport costs ourselves, because they were present when it was produced. But everything produced since then belongs to Niger. And it will remain Nigerien, Inshallah,” he said.

Niamey Reaffirms Its Position

The remarks are consistent with statements made by Nigerien authorities in late 2025. At a joint press conference, the ministers of Mines and Justice set out legal and economic arguments to justify the nationalization of Somaïr and reject expropriation claims raised by Orano.

They argued that the Arlit concession, granted in 1968 for 75 years and covering about 360 square kilometers, represents a conditional operating licence rather than a transfer of subsoil ownership, which they say remains a sovereign prerogative of the state. They also pointed to the strict enforcement of mining regulations, citing a formal notice issued to Orano Mining in September 2025 over unpaid concession royalties.

On the economic side, the ministers described what they called a longstanding imbalance in the sale of Nigerien uranium. According to figures presented at the press conference, the volume sold by the French operator over more than five decades exceeded its equity stake. Niamey reports total production of more than 80,000 tons between 1971 and 2024 and argues that the state’s effective share did not match its shareholding.

Authorities also said they committed public funds to keep operations running after July 2023, referring to investments amounting to several tens of billions of CFA francs. They estimate that about 2,000 tons have been extracted since then under Nigerien control. According to the authorities, those volumes do not belong to Orano. The French group contests this position and has filed proceedings before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Pending resolution of the dispute, the spot price of uranium rose from below $66,000 per ton in January 2021 to more than $180,000 per ton in late 2025. For Niger, the more favourable price environment, driven by renewed interest in nuclear energy, offers an opportunity to increase sector revenues, provided output can return to levels seen in the mid-2010s.

Louis-Nino Kansoun