

Niger is ready to return the uranium produced by Orano SA at the Somair mine to the French nuclear company, two months after unidentified attackers who staged an assault on the capital came dangerously close to the stockpile.
Niger’s military authorities took over the mine in 2024, accusing Orano of planning to halt operations and sell its stake without following proper procedures. The government later removed uranium from the site in violation of an arbitration tribunal ruling, raising concerns about radioactive material being transported through jihadist-affected regions.
About 95,000 tons of concentrated uranium powder — also known as yellowcake — is ready to be sent back to Orano, military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani said in an interview broadcast on Friday.