International court blocks Niger uranium sale amid Orano dispute

Temporary Halt on Uranium Sale Ordered by International Arbitration Court

An international court of arbitration in Washington, DC, has issued a temporary injunction preventing the sale of uranium stockpiles amid a dispute between the Niger government and the French mining group Orano. The court order mandates that Niamey cease selling the uranium, which Orano alleges has been misappropriated. Additionally, the court instructed the release of Orano's representative, who has been detained since May.

In December of the previous year, Niger's military junta assumed control of Orano's mining operations as part of a broader initiative to regulate the extraction of raw materials by foreign corporations. Subsequently, Orano's license was suspended, leading to a halt in production.

Since assuming power in 2023, Niger's military government, which remains unrecognized by Paris, has expelled French military forces and established closer diplomatic connections with Russia and Turkey.

Orano reports that over 1,000 tonnes of uranium concentrate, valued at more than 200 million dollars, have not been exported. Should Niamey fail to comply with the court's ruling, Orano may be entitled to seize assets or royalties owed to Niger in international jurisdictions. The final decision from the court may take several months or even years to be issued.

Based on reporting by Africanews.