Niger claims French nuclear giant Orano left hazardous waste at uranium site

Niger’s military government has sharply escalated its confrontation with Orano, accusing the French state-backed nuclear fuel giant of environmental violations, radioactive contamination, and what it calls “predatory practices” in the country’s uranium sector.

Officials say the findings could result in criminal prosecution against Orano, deepening a rift that has already disrupted decades of cooperation between Niger and France in the nuclear supply chain, according to Reuters.

Authorities announced that inspectors uncovered 400 barrels of radioactive core material in Madaouela, a site close to Arlit, Niger’s historic uranium-mining hub.

Justice Minister Alio Daouda stated that radiation levels in the area were measured at 7–10 microsieverts per hour, significantly higher than the typical 0.5 microsieverts, posing serious health and environmental risks.

Investigators also detected two hazardous compounds associated with respiratory illnesses, heightening concern about contamination in surrounding communities.

For more than 50 years, Orano, 90% owned by the French state, controlled the backbone of Niger’s uranium industry through its subsidiaries Somaïr, Cominak and Imouraren. The company has rejected the accusations and maintains that it does not hold an operating license for Madaouela.

Tensions have been rising since June, when Niger nationalised the Somaïr mine, removing Orano’s 63.4% shareholding.

Last week, the government began transporting uranium from the mine, claiming it was exercising its sovereign rights, despite a World Bank arbitration tribunal’s order for Niger not to access the stockpile pending legal proceedings.

Orano condemned the movement of uranium as a breach of international norms, warning that the shipment could pose severe safety and environmental risks if not carried out under strict standards.

Niger ranks among the world’s top producers of uranium, a mineral essential for nuclear energy generation and medical radiation treatments.

France, which relies on nuclear energy for roughly 70% of its electricity, previously sourced about 15% of its uranium from Niger before the political fallout disrupted supply.