Niger accuses French nuclear giant Orano of ‘mass crimes’
French nuclear giant Orano has been accused of "mass crimes" following the discovery of hundreds of barrels containing hazardous radioactive core materials in Niger.
On Thursday, the Niger government announced that the French state-owned Orano nuclear fuel company had dumped “radioactive pollution” near a former uranium site in northern Niger where it previously operated.
Niger's Mining Ministry reported that inspectors found approximately 400 barrels with dangerously high levels of radioactive substances, which could cause respiratory disorders at Madaouela.
The Nigerien government stated that the disposal of these barrels demonstrates "predatory behavior."
Niger’s Justice Minister, Alio Daouda, confirmed this week that radiation levels in the area were significantly elevated -- around 7 to 10 microsieverts per hour, compared to the normal level of 0.5 microsieverts.
Daouda announced that Orano will face legal proceedings for “mass crimes,” including environmental harm, public health violations, and breaches of national sovereignty.
“This illegal dump highlights Orano’s persistent disregard for Niger and its people since uranium mining began,” Daouda said, pledging that “Niger will not back down in defending its sovereignty.”
To date, Orano has faced numerous environmental pollution claims in Niger, with civil society groups in Arlit accusing the company of irregularities in site rehabilitation in recent years.
Despite increasing pressure since the military coup in July 2023, Orano has maintained its defiance, claiming it holds no operating license for Madaouela and has never worked there.
This accusation against Orano arises amid a broader dispute regarding its uranium operations in Niger. The military-led government revoked Orano’s license for the Imouraren deposit in June 2024.
Orano began its commercial uranium mining operations in Niger at the Arlit deposit in 1971, extracting ore with concentrations of 0.30–0.35 percent to depths of 60 meters.
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