Sanctions have prevented the production of uranium in Niger by a subsidiary of the French company Orano
The mining company Somaïr, which is a subsidiary of the French group Orano, has suspended uranium production in Niger due to a shortage of necessary reagents amid sanctions against the African country.
According to media reports, the uranium sector is experiencing the consequences of economic sanctions imposed on the military who came to power through a mutiny. It is specified that Somaïr received sulfur, carbonic acid salts and sodium hydroxide through Benin, but due to sanctions, the reagents were blocked at the border. As a result, the company was forced to stop the extraction of uranium ore.
The Republic of Niger is a former colony of France, its independence was declared in 1960. The country remained one of the last allies of Paris in the Sahel. On its territory there are extensive reserves of uranium, on the supply of which France depends.
Relations between Niger and France have worsened since the coup in the African state in late July. The republic is demanding that Paris withdraw its troops. The French authorities are currently considering options for withdrawing troops.