French nuclear fuel company Orano has launched international arbitration proceedings against Niger after months of failed mediation efforts.
The dispute arose when Niger’s government revoked the mining license for Orano’s subsidiary, Imouraren, in June.
The Imouraren site, located in northern Niger, holds an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium but has remained untapped. Initially set to begin operations in 2015, the project was shelved following a global drop in uranium prices after Japan’s 2011 nuclear disaster. 
Niger had warned that the license would expire on June 19 unless mining activities resumed. Orano claims it submitted a detailed proposal to begin exploitation before the license was withdrawn.
Tensions escalated further this month when Niger’s authorities reportedly took control of Orano’s Somair uranium mine. Orano holds a 63.4% stake in Somair, with the remaining share owned by the Nigerien state.
The military-led government, which assumed power following a coup in July last year, has intensified pressure on foreign investors while openly seeking to overhaul its mining sector. This shift reflects Niger’s broader strategy to pivot its alliances from Western nations to new partners.
Niger contributes about 4% of the global uranium supply, a critical fuel for nuclear energy.
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