uranium mining

Russia is attempting to seize uranium assets in Niger owned by a French state-controlled company, in a move that further challenges Western interests in Africa.

This development, reported by Bloomberg citing sources, highlights Russia’s increasing economic and strategic ambitions on the continent.

According to a source in Moscow, Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom, has engaged with Niger’s military authorities regarding the acquisition of assets from the French company Orano SA.

A Western diplomat working in the region indicated that the negotiations are likely focused on mining permits. The World Nuclear Association reports that Niger accounted for approximately 4% of the global uranium mining output in 2022.

“Russia is strengthening its economic, diplomatic, and military ties in Africa, especially after the coup in Niger. They view this part of the world as a strategic investment opportunity,” said Mark Hibbs, a Berlin-based nuclear analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “In tandem, Rosatom is diversifying its uranium investments in Africa.”

The specifics of how much Rosatom is seeking to acquire in Niger remain unclear. The Moscow source described the discussions as being at an early stage, with negotiations yet to begin and the terms of any potential transfer still undetermined.

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