Niger’s Mining Minister, Col Maj Abarchi Ousmane and representatives of Uranium One Group and Tenex, companies linked to Russia’s state-owned nuclear conglomerate Rosatom, have discussed cooperation in the spheres of uranium mining and civilian nuclear energy.
The discussions held on September 30 reviewed progress on mining projects agreed with Russian partners and focused on advancing cooperation in uranium exploration and extraction, according to Air Info Agadez.
The meeting followed agreements reached during a July 2025 visit to Niamey by a Russian delegation led by Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, covering civil nuclear energy, uranium mining and the training of Nigerien personnel.
In December 2025, Niger’s state uranium company, Timersoi National Uranium Company, and Uranium One Group also signed an agreement outlining procedures for obtaining mining permits, conducting geological surveys and developing future extraction facilities.
The partnership has gained momentum as Niger’s relations with France have continued to deteriorate following the 2023 military coup. Tensions intensified after the Niger government nationalized Somair, the uranium-mining company controlled by France’s Orano, effectively ending a decades-long arrangement in which the French group played a central role in extracting and managing Niger’s uranium resources.
The decision removed one of France’s most significant commercial footholds in Niger and signaled the authorities’ determination to assert greater control over the country’s natural resources. It also created an opening for new foreign partners, particularly countries seeking to expand their economic and strategic presence in the Sahel. Niger has about 336,000 metric tons of identified uranium resources, according to the World Nuclear Association.
In late August, members of Russia’s Africa Corps assisted Nigerien forces in suppressing an attempted mutiny at Base 101 in Niamey. Moscow said its personnel helped Niger’s forces repel the attack, while Radio France Internationale said Russian troops were called in after mutineers seized the airport base and threatened strategic sites.
The intervention strengthened Moscow’s standing with Niger’s junta. On September 4, Nigerien leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani thanked Russian Ambassador Viktor Voropaev for supporting the government during the attempted coup.
Niger views broader foreign partnerships as essential to securing sovereign control over its strategic resources. In turn, Moscow gains a key foothold in the Sahel, pairing defense support with access to major uranium reserves.
