Niger’s main mineworkers union has vowed to resume uranium production at the Somair mine after the military government announced it would fully nationalize the site amid ongoing tensions with French nuclear company Orano.
The National Union of Miners of Niger (SYNTRAMIN) said it supported what it called a “sovereign decision” by the government, which took control of the Somair mine in December. Last week, authorities formally announced plans to nationalize the operation, accusing Orano of demanding an unfair share of the mine’s output.
“The benefits of this strategic resource have not been shared equitably with the people of Niger for more than five decades,” the union said in a statement, claiming it has long been exploited by foreign interests.
French state-owned company Orano, which owns a 63% stake in Somair, has strongly opposed the move and has signaled it may take legal action. The remaining 37% of the mine is owned by Niger’s state mining company Sopamin. The government claims that Orano has extracted more than 86% of the uranium produced at Somair since the mine was established in 1971, but has not provided a detailed breakdown.
Despite the dispute, SYNTRAMIN has publicly assured that production will continue uninterrupted. The union has also pledged to support the new state-led administration to maximize the value of the country’s uranium resources.
Niger, the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, plays a key role in the global nuclear energy supply chain. The nationalization push follows a broader trend across West Africa, where governments are seeking greater control over natural resource revenues.