The military-led government of Niger has accused French nuclear fuel group Orano of “predatory behavior” and ecological crimes, and says it could face charges for mass crimes.
Nigerien authorities reported finding 400 barrels of radioactive core material in Madaouela, near Arlit, where Orano used to operate its uranium mines.
But Orano, 90% owned by the French state, has denied ever operating at Madaouela, adding it had not received any official notice of legal action.
“Orano does not hold an operating license for the Madaouela site and has conducted no operations there,” the company said in a written response to Reuters’ questions.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Alio Daouda said the radiation in the area was much higher than normal — about 7 to 10 microsieverts per hour, compared to the usual 0.5 microsieverts.
Tests also found two substances that are linked to breathing problems and could be harmful to people.
The development has escalated an already bitter dispute over control of the West African nation’s uranium mines.
Stressing the exercise of sovereignty rights, Niger nationalized the Somaïr mine, stripping Orano of its 63.4% stake.
Last week, the government began transporting uranium from the site without yielding to a World Bank tribunal order barring it from accessing the stockpile. Reuters once reported that there were about 1,500 metric tons of uranium at Somaïr, with potential buyers including Turkish, Iranian and Russian interests.
However, Orano condemned the action as illegal and warned the shipment could pose serious safety and environmental risks, as it couldn’t confirm if the transport met global standards.
Niger is the world’s seventh-largest producer of uranium and once accounted for about 15% of the needs of France, which relies on nuclear power for 70% of its electricity.
In a similar move to nationalise its uranium production, another African country Tanzania opened a test uranium processing plant in July.