(Ecofin Agency) - Niger will not export any uranium in 2024 due to several factors. Uranium typically makes up 15 to 20% of Niger's exports, significantly more than other products. Following the coup in July 2023, the country faced economic sanctions, including border closures with neighboring countries.

Orano, Niger's only uranium producer, plans to operate at just 40% capacity next year. CEO Nicolas Maes said the company cannot export its production because of ongoing geopolitical issues. According to recent statistics from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Niger did not export any gold or uranium in the first half of 2024.

At the end of Q1 2024,  UEMOA reported that no shipments of uranium and gold left the nation, because of stringent economic sanctions initiated by regional organizations. The closure of Niger’s borders with Benin compounded the exportation of these products. 

The July 2023 coup led to sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including border closures that impacted Orano's operations. Although many sanctions have been lifted this year, the Benin-Niger border remains closed on Niger's side.

As a result, UEMOA noted that Niger's exports dropped from CFA216.3 billion ($361.05 million) in the first half of 2023 to CFA86.1 billion a year later, down 60%. While various sectors contributed to this drop, uranium has historically been Niger's top export product. In 2022 and 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 15% and 20% respectively of Niger's exports.

In recent months, there have been hopeful signs for reopening the Benin-Niger border following high-level discussions between the two nations. Global Atomic, which owns the Dasa uranium project, believes a resolution will be reached soon as it prepares to start operations at the Dasa mine in 2026.

Emiliano Tossou