Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Air defenses in the Parchin military base in eastern Tehran intercept Israeli missiles.
Iranian air defenses intercept Israeli missiles over central Tehran.
Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei to deliver an address to the nation shortly.
Sirens sound in occupied West Bank following Israeli detection of missile launch from Yemen.
Israeli media: Missile launch detected from Yemen.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran: Israeli aggression on city of Qom, south of Tehran.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: 18 martyrs, 35 wounded in Israeli aggression on Iran's Eastern Azerbaijan Province.
Ritter: These operations do not happen overnight, as "Israel" needs to transfer capabilities to an area near Iran, such as Iraq.
Ritter: The Israeli strike on Iran is also an American message to China and Russia.
Former US Marine officer Scott Ritter: The US and "Israel" have decided that negotiations with Iran are merely a tactic to buy time ahead of a surprise attack.

French corp Orano halts Uranium processing in Niger

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 8 Sep 2023 23:30
  • 1 Shares
2 Min Read

Orano SA has halted uranium ore processing at a Niger facility due to international sanctions against the new government.

  • x
  • A woman enters the Areva Tower, showing the Orano logo, Paris, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018
    A woman enters the Areva Tower, showing the Orano logo, Paris, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 (AP)

Orano SA, the prominent French nuclear company, has announced the suspension of uranium ore processing at one of its facilities in Niger due to the logistical complications caused by international sanctions imposed against the military junta ruling the African nation, Bloomberg reported. 

This development has raised concerns about potential disruptions in the global uranium supply chain. Niger, with approximately 5% of the world's uranium reserves, plays a significant role in providing the material essential for fueling nuclear reactors in the United States, China, and Europe (especially France).

The disruption in Niger's uranium production could compel utilities in these regions to increasingly rely on alternative sources such as Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia.

Orano SA had initially scheduled maintenance for its uranium-treatment plant in Niger to commence early next year. However, in response to diminishing stockpiles of necessary processing chemicals, the company has expedited the maintenance process, as indicated in a statement released on Friday.

While uranium-processing activities were temporarily halted, operations at Orano's Somair mine, in which the Niger government holds a 37% stake, continue unaffected.

Orano typically exports uranium concentrate to Benin, where it is subsequently shipped either to France or Canada. The company's standard practice involves approximately 4 to 6 shipments annually.

Related News

US troops in Niger 'stranded', say have no access to mail, medicine

US downplays effect of severed military accords with Niger

In light of the current situation, Orano is taking measures to secure the supply of uranium for its customers. It is actively sourcing material from its mining interests in Canada and Kazakhstan: ensuring that there is no immediate emergency in the short term.

Read more: Niger and the African struggle against neo-colonialism

Relations between Niger and France, its former colonial ruler, deteriorated sharply after Paris supported ousted president Bazoum.

On August 3, the military government of Niger announced that it was scrapping all military agreements with France, which has 1,500 troops stationed in the country.

France has rejected the move, saying that only the legitimate government of Niger can make such a decision.

The military leaders said that the agreements had different expiration dates, but one of them, which was signed in 2012, was due to expire within a month.

Read more: France discussing troops exit with Niger officials

  • Niger Coup
  • France
  • Niger
  • Uranium

Most Read

The logo of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (wikidata)

Iran acquired thousands of sensitive Israeli documents: Exclusive

  • Politics
  • 7 Jun 2025
'Israel' launches major strike against Iran's nuclear program

'Israel' launches massive aggression on Iran

  • MENA
  • Today
Iranian demonstrators walk on a caricature of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the annual Quds Day rally in support of Palestinians, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 28, 2025 (AP)

Iran hits 'Israel' hard without arms; intel breach lays Tel Aviv bare

  • Politics
  • 7 Jun 2025
The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency flies in front of its headquarters during an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (AP)

Tehran unravels documents exposing secret IAEA-'Israel' collusion

  • Politics
  • 12 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Global condemnations mount against Israeli aggression on Iran
Politics

Global condemnations pour in against Israeli aggression on Iran

President Donald Trump attends the UFC 316 mixed martial arts event Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey (AP)
MENA

US denies role in attacks on Iran, yet vows to defend 'Israel'

Vehicles drive past an anti-Israeli banner showing missiles being launched, in a square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP)
Politics

Political, military Iranian figures vow revenge, slam US complicity

AEOI condemns IAEA silence after Israeli aggression on nuclear site
Politics

AEOI slams IAEA's silence despite Israeli aggression on nuclear site

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS