A World Bank arbitration tribunal has ordered Niger to cease all trading of uranium from the Somaïr mine, which its military government recently seized from French firm Orano.
The tribunal, under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), also demanded the release of Orano’s country representative, who remains detained despite a Niamey court earlier ordering his release.
Orano, which holds a 63 percent stake in Somaïr, warned that the venture risks bankruptcy under the disruption, noting the mine had already suffered export blockades and raids on its offices.
Niger’s rulers proclaimed the nationalisation just weeks ago, blaming Orano of disproportionate control and unfair practices.
