This evolution of the mining industry in Niger is a real turning point for the country and its trading partners. By losing the status of first supplier of uranium to the European Union, Niger is facing new economic challenges. However, this does not mean the end of their participation in the uranium sector, as subsidiaries of large French companies are still active in the country. Despite the fall in the price of uranium, Orano (formerly Areva) maintains its extraction activities in certain deposits, but faces increasingly high production costs.
However, Niger has managed to diversify its economy by investing in other sectors such as gold and hydrocarbons. These new sectors, in particular gold, have experienced significant growth and have become an important source of income for the country. Gold deposits, although mainly exploited in an artisanal way, have enabled Niger to rebalance its trade and reduce its dependence on uranium.
Moreover, Niger has also attracted the attention of foreign investors, such as China and Canada, who have obtained rights to exploit mineral resources in the country. These investments testify to the confidence of international players in Niger’s economic potential beyond uranium.
As Niger continues to face challenges related to geography and high operating costs, its ability to diversify its economy allows it to adapt to market changes and maintain sustainable economic growth.
In conclusion, the loss of the status of first supplier of uranium to the European Union by Niger is a sign of change in the mining industry of the country. However, thanks to its investments in other sectors such as gold and hydrocarbons, Niger has managed to rebalance its economy and reduce its dependence on uranium. This economic diversification offers new growth and development opportunities for the country, while attracting international investors interested in Niger’s other mineral resources