Niger’s government said Wednesday that it has reached a new agreement with Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO) to revive a uranium mining project in the country’s north.
The West African nation has been ruled by a military junta since the 2023 coup. The authorities have made greater control over Niger’s natural resources, including uranium, a central part of their sovereignty agenda.
MAMICO is owned 60% by Australian company Atomic Eagle and 40% by the Nigerien government.
According to the mining ministry, the agreement includes a $10 million initial payment, training and capacity-building for the mining administration, support for local development, and the creation of about 1,000 jobs for young Nigeriens.
Uranium mining has also become a major source of tension between Niger’s military authorities and France, its former colonial power. France owns 90% of Orano, the mining company with longstanding operations in Niger.
As part of a broader shift away from Paris and toward alternative partners, including Russia, Niger’s military authorities nationalised Orano’s local subsidiary.
Orano has responded by initiating several legal proceedings against Niger, alleging that the junta confiscated its assets amid the political turmoil in the country.
