Orano has commenced international arbitration against Niger after the government revoked its mining licence for the Imouraren uranium project. This action follows unsuccessful mediation attempts after the company’s operational permit was suspended shortly after it resumed preparatory work. The Imouraren project is among the largest uranium reserves globally, indicating its strategic importance.
Orano, a French multinational, has initiated international arbitration against the Government of Niger after it revoked the mining licence for the Imouraren uranium project in June. This decision follows several months of failed mediation attempts. The Imouraren site, rich in uranium reserves, was under Orano’s operation since 2009 but faced development delays starting in 2015 due to unfavorable market conditions. Although Orano resumed preparatory work in early 2024, the Nigerien authorities unexpectedly suspended the operating permit shortly thereafter, leading to these arbitration proceedings. Orano has retained the law firm Clay Arbitration to represent its interests.
The Imouraren project is located approximately 80 kilometers south of Arlit and 160 kilometers north of Agadez and is regarded as one of the largest uranium reserves globally, boasting over 200,000 tons of uranium. Historically, Imouraren SA, in which Orano holds a 66.65% stake while the Niger state holds 33.35%, received an operational permit in 2009. However, development was halted in 2015 amid poor market conditions, and negotiations with the Niger government to advance the project proved unsuccessful, prompting Orano’s current legal actions.
In summary, Orano’s initiation of arbitration against Niger reflects the significant tensions stemming from the withdrawal of its mining licence for the Imouraren project. The company’s legal action follows unsuccessful negotiation attempts and comes amid a broader context where other firms, like GoviEx Uranium, are also contesting the Nigerien government’s decisions. As these disputes unfold, the outcomes may further impact foreign investments in Niger’s valuable mining sector.
Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
