Niger’s government has extended an invitation to Russian companies to explore and exploit its uranium and other natural resources, the country’s mining minister announced on Wednesday, signaling a shift in strategic alliances amid strained relations with France. The move comes after French company Orano ceased uranium production in Niger last month due to mounting tensions between Niger’s military-led government and France.
In an interview with Russia’s Ria Novosti, Niger’s mining minister Ousmane Abarchi confirmed discussions with Russian firms interested in the nation’s resources, stating, “We have already met with Russian companies that are interested in coming to explore and exploit Niger’s natural resources… not only uranium.”
Niger’s relations with France have deteriorated since the military junta took control in July 2023, leading the country to re-evaluate foreign resource agreements. Citing France’s refusal to recognize the new government, Abarchi questioned whether “we, the State of Niger, accept that French companies continue to exploit our natural resources.”
This shift follows similar moves by other West African countries, which have distanced themselves from France in favor of partnerships with Russia. Niger, the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, has pledged to overhaul regulations governing foreign resource extraction.
The dispute escalated when Niger’s government retracted a permit for the Imouraren uranium deposit in June, one of the world’s largest. Orano also cited export challenges due to security-related border closures with Benin. The standoff underscores a pivotal moment for Niger’s resource industry, as it looks to diversify partnerships and assert greater control over its natural assets.
