France's Orano launches arbitration against Niger over mining licence (updated)

GoviEx Uranium

20/12/2024 13:30

(Adds details about Niger, uranium in paragraphs 2-5)
       PARIS, Dec 20 (Reuters) - French nuclear fuels company
Orano said on Friday it had started arbitration proceedings
against Niger, after Niger withdrew the mining licence of
Orano's subsidiary Imouraren.
    Niger's military-led government has stepped up pressure in
recent months on foreign investors. A representative for the
government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Orano said in June that Niger had removed the mining permit
for Imouraren, and the following month Canada's GoviEx Uranium
 GXU.V  said it too had been stripped of its right to develop a
uranium project in Niger.
        Earlier this month, Orano said authorities in Niger had
seized control of its 
    Somair uranium mine
    .
  
        Niger accounts for about 4% of global output of uranium,
the most widely used fuel for nuclear energy.
  
        Barrick Gold said on Wednesday it 
    would initiate arbitration
     in its dispute with neighbouring Mali. 
  

 (Reporting by Benjamin Mallet and Sudip Kar-Gupta; Writing by
Makini Brice; Editing by Susan Fenton)
 ((sudip.kargupta@thomsonreuters.com;))