Niger takes over French-controlled Uranium mine! French nuclear firm Orano says the military authorities in Niger have taken control of its uranium mining operations in the West African country.
This marks another turning point in the relationship between France and Niger, following the expulsion of French troops from its former colony. Niger's military rulers have made it clear they were not happy with the way foreign companies had been awarded licences and believe that the country should earn more from the minerals found under its soil.
"The French state, through its head of state, has declared that it does not recognise the current authorities in Niger. Does it seem possible to you that we, the state of Niger, would allow French companies to continue extracting our natural resources?" Niger's Minister of Mines Colonel Abarchi Ousmane recently said.
Niger achieved independence from France in 1960 and the former colonial power managed to secure exclusive access to Niger's uranium supply through various agreements. But military leader Abdourahamane Tiani has been adamant about wrestling power from the West and asserting Niger’s sovereignty over its own resources. Niger has one of the largest uranium deposits in the world but until now has benefitted little from the French exploitation of the mines.
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Niger takes over French-controlled Uranium mine!
French nuclear firm Orano says the military authorities in Niger have taken control of its uranium mining operations in the West African country.
This marks another turning point in the relationship between France and Niger, following the expulsion of French troops from its former colony. Niger's military rulers have made it clear they were not happy with the way foreign companies had been awarded licences and believe that the country should earn more from the minerals found under its soil.
"The French state, through its head of state, has declared that it does not recognise the current authorities in Niger. Does it seem possible to you that we, the state of Niger, would allow French companies to continue extracting our natural resources?" Niger's Minister of Mines Colonel Abarchi Ousmane recently said.
Niger achieved independence from France in 1960 and the former colonial power managed to secure exclusive access to Niger's uranium supply through various agreements. But military leader Abdourahamane Tiani has been adamant about wrestling power from the West and asserting Niger’s sovereignty over its own resources. Niger has one of the largest uranium deposits in the world but until now has benefitted little from the French exploitation of the mines.
4 months ago | [YT] | 5