French nuclear fuel company Orano has initiated international arbitration proceedings against Niger after months of failed mediation over the revocation of a key mining license.
The dispute centers on the Imouraren mine in northern Niger, which holds an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium. Although mining was slated to begin in 2015, the project stalled due to a global drop in uranium prices following the 2011 Japanese nuclear disaster.
Niger’s government withdrew the license in June, citing inactivity and warning that the permit would expire unless operations resumed by June 19. Orano claims it had submitted a detailed proposal to begin mining just before the license was revoked.
Tensions escalated earlier this month when Niger’s authorities reportedly took control of Orano’s Somair uranium mine, in which the French company holds a 63.4% stake, with the remainder owned by the Nigerien state.
Since the military seized power in a coup last year, Niger’s leadership has intensified efforts to overhaul the mining sector and shift partnerships away from Western nations. The country, which produces about 4% of the world’s uranium, has signaled plans to pursue alliances with new international partners.