IAEA Chief Urges Cooperation During Visit to Niger’s Uranium Sector
Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, visited Niger to promote cooperation amid political changes. The junta, having taken control post-coup, is asserting authority over uranium resources, leading to tensions with France’s Orano. Niger, the seventh-largest uranium producer, is shifting alliances toward Russia and Iran, despite clarifications from Prime Minister Zeine regarding agreements with Tehran.
On Thursday, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), called for enhanced cooperation with Niger during his visit to the nation, which is a key global supplier of uranium. Grossi emphasized the importance of IAEA’s ongoing presence in Niger following significant political changes, stating, “Niger is one of the biggest producers in the world of uranium.”
The military junta that has governed Niger since a 2023 coup is asserting greater control over the nation’s natural resources, particularly uranium, which has led to strained relations with France, the country’s former colonial power. Grossi’s meetings included discussions with Niger’s junta-appointed Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, along with ministers from mining, foreign affairs, and energy, aimed at fostering deeper ties between Niger and the IAEA.
On a prior visit to the Somair uranium mine, Grossi witnessed the ongoing tensions between the junta and Orano, a French nuclear group that holds significant stakes in Nigerien uranium operations. Orano has a 60 percent share in three subsidiaries, but control over the Somair mine is contested, prompting the French company to claim interference from Niger’s authorities. The operational licenses at Imouraren have been revoked by Niger’s officials, while Cominak has been inactive since 2021.
Niger ranks as the world’s seventh-largest uranium producer, contributing approximately five percent of the global supply. Since the coup, the junta has diverted alliances away from France towards nations such as Russia and Iran. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Zeine clarified in 2024 that no agreements regarding uranium had been finalized with Iran, which faces international sanctions related to its nuclear aspirations.
Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Niger underscores the significance of uranium production in the country amidst political transitions. Enhanced cooperation between Niger and the IAEA is pivotal as the junta seeks control over its natural resources while navigating strained relations with France and exploring new international partnerships. As Niger aims to maintain its status as a major uranium supplier, the implications of these developments warrant close observation.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
