International Court Blocks Sale of Uranium Stocks Amid Dispute Between Niger and French Mining Giant
International Court Blocks Sale of Uranium Stocks Amid Dispute Between Niger and French Mining Giant
A dispute between the Niger government and French mining group Orano has led an international court of arbitration to temporarily halt the sale of uranium stockpiles.
On Friday, a court in Washington, DC ordered Niamey to stop the sale of uranium that Orano alleges was stolen from them. Additionally, the court demanded the release of Orano’s representative who has been detained since May.
In December of the previous year, Niger’s military junta assumed control over Orano’s operation as part of a broader initiative to oversee foreign entities involved in raw material mining. A few months later, Orano’s license was revoked and production halted accordingly.
Since taking power in 2023, Niger’s military leaders—whom Paris does not recognize—have expelled French troops and strengthened their relations with Russia and Turkey.
Orano asserts that over 1,000 tonnes of uranium concentrate, valued at more than $200 million, have not been exported.
If Niamey does not comply with Friday’s court ruling, Orano would have the right to claim assets or royalties owed to Niger in other countries. It may take months or even years for the court to make its final decision.
