Niger’s largest mine workers’ union has thrown its weight behind the military government’s plan to nationalise the Somair uranium mine.
The Somair mine, one of the world’s largest, has been at the centre of tensions between Niger and French state-owned operator Orano.
Niger seized the mine in December and formally announced its nationalisation plans last week, accusing Orano of exploiting the country’s resources.
The move aligns with a growing trend in West Africa, where governments seek greater control over natural wealth.
Orano, which owns 63 percent of Somair, has yet to comment on the latest accusations but has previously threatened legal action.
The National Union of Niger Mine Workers (SYNTRAMIN) voiced full support for the government’s “sovereign decision” in a statement on Saturday.
“For more than 50 years, this strategic wealth has failed to fairly benefit Niger,” the union declared, condemning “decades of pillaging.”
Though no evidence was provided, the union pledged to ensure uninterrupted uranium production under new state management.
Government figures claim that Orano extracted 86.3 percent of production since the mine’s opening in 1971, far exceeding its stake.
Niger’s military leaders, who seized power in a 2023 coup, have prioritised reclaiming economic sovereignty over strategic resources.
Somair’s uranium is crucial to the global nuclear fuel market, making this standoff between Niger and France geopolitically significant.
The future of the mine now hinges on whether Niger can maintain stable production while navigating mounting international tensions.