A French uranium company faces trial over accusations of partial responsibility for kidnappings in Niger in 2010.
Areva, now Orano, allegedly underestimated security threats in northern Niger, where it operated uranium mining sites.
Seven employees were abducted in Arlit, including five French nationals, a Togolese, and a Madagascan, sparking international concern.
Three hostages were freed after five months, while the remaining four were held until October 2013 under armed group custody.
Judges ordered the trial in late September, citing negligence and insufficient security that exposed staff to grave danger.
France’s anti-terror prosecutor opposed the trial and has appealed, questioning whether the company should face legal scrutiny.
The company’s lawyer declined comment, while Orano’s 2022 legal head denied any wrongdoing in the affair.
Investigations revealed Areva had agreements with Nigerien forces to secure mining sites and safeguard expatriate staff movements.
One former hostage’s lawyer, Olivier Morice, criticised Areva for ignoring repeated warnings and failing to protect employees adequately.
The case highlights tensions between corporate responsibility and operational risk in high-threat regions across the Sahel.