Russia wants to mine Niger's uranium, energy minister says
BARRONS.COM
'seventh globally'
SUMMARY

Russia seeks to mine uranium in Niger, leveraging ties with the junta-led government. Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, visiting Niamey, met General Abdourahamane Tiani to advance economic cooperation. Rosatom signed a memorandum for civilian nuclear power, including mining and building a power plant.

Niger, producing 3,527 tonnes of uranium in 2023, ranks seventh globally. The junta, since its 2023 coup, demands greater resource control, straining ties with France. Orano, 90% French-owned, lost control of Somair, Cominak, and Imouraren mines. Tsivilev emphasized, “Our main goal is to mine uranium.”

No transfer of Orano’s mines to Russia was confirmed.

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