Niger does not intend to allow France to access its uranium

The authorities of Niger are unlikely to allow French companies to mine uranium on their territory in the context of the fact that Paris has not recognized the new leadership of the state, the country's mining minister Usman Abarchi told RIA Novosti.

"As for French companies. The French state, through its head, stated that it does not recognize the current authorities of Niger. More than a year has passed, this has not changed. Do you think it is possible for us, the State of Niger, to allow French companies to continue mining our natural resources?" — Abarchi told the agency on the sidelines of the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi.

He added that only one uranium deposit is currently being actively developed.

"We are talking about the Somaïr company, which works on uranium in Arly. There is also a Chinese company CNNC, the place of production of which is not yet active, but will soon return to work. After all, Somida is currently building a uranium mine in Dasa. This company was created jointly by two others: Canadian Global Atomic and SOPAMIN from Niger," the minister said.

The conference was held from November 9 to November 10 on the federal territory of Sirius, which is located near the borders of Sochi Adler.