Troubled French subsidiary – Le Nouvel Tribune

In June, Niger By regaining direct control of its uranium deposits, it made a major decision about the future of its mining industry. From ImolarenThe measure, announced in an official communication, marks the end of the operating concession granted to Imolarena subsidiary of a French company Orano (formerly Areva)Despite the extension of the deadline and two official notifications in 2022 and 2024, Orano has not been able to start production as originally planned in 2012.

Orano’s situation is even more worrying because its subsidiary Somaïr, also based in Niger, is experiencing a severe financial crisis. French media from February 2024, Arlit Uranium Mine, This is the only uranium plant operated by Orano in the country, which has had difficulty finding export routes due to the unstable political situation following the coup in July 2023. The crisis forced the company to sell uranium stocks that had originally been kept to finance the closure of the plant at that location.

Orano tries to negotiate new export conditions with the United States France or Namibia has not been successful so far. In the meantime, to maintain operations, about 700 direct employees Many subcontractors rely on the sale of this inventory to pay wages and protect industrial infrastructure. If not resolved quickly, Sommer may be forced to gradually reduce its activities or even cease operations completely in the coming months.

The crisis highlights the growing tensions between Niger and France since his arrival. The power of Tennis. Relations between France and Niger have recently been marked by a series of tensions, not only around the exploitation of natural resources, but also around the management of power in the country. Niger, hoping to maintain its autonomy, has regained control of major uranium deposits that were previously mined by French companies, notably Orano. The decision reflects Niger’s broader desire to break free from the influence of French neo-colonialism on its economy.

Indeed, such gestures are often seen as reminiscent of exploitative behavior. Colonial era, The metropolis exercises direct control over the resources of the colonies. This dynamic has led to a significant cooling of bilateral relations, with both sides maintaining firm positions, with Niger wanting to manage its resources independently and France seeking to secure its overseas economic and energy interests through critical military force.