Uranium from a mine in Niger, which belonged to a company from France and was nationalized, has disappeared without a trace.

The military regime in Niger has vehemently rejected accusations of theft related to the disappearance of uranium from the Somair mine, previously operated by the French group Orano. The junta, which took power following a coup in July 2023, claims that the nationalization of mineral resources, including uranium, is a sovereign right.

Following the nationalization, Niger has begun selling uranium on the international market. Authorities in Niger, including the Minister of Mines, Colonel Ousmane Abarchi, have stated that what is legitimately owned cannot be considered theft. The military junta is seeking new partners for resource exploitation, including Russia and Iran, while Orano has initiated international arbitration procedures to protect its interests. Niger contributes 4.7% to global uranium production.