French nuclear fuels company Orano warned on Friday (15 November) of a “deteriorating financial situation” at its Somair uranium plant in Niger, whose board it said had sought a temporary halt on expenditures related to mining and processing ore.

Orano owns more than 60% of Somair, while Niger’s state-owned Sopamin holds the rest. Niger is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium.

The company said in a statement that the Somair board had met on 12 November 2024 and approved a motion to introduce “protective measures” which are essential for preserving the cash required to pay salaries and maintain the safety and integrity of industrial sites.

“The board is requesting a temporary halt to expenditure related to mining and processing ore, until such time as it resumes the export and sale of its products,” the statement said.