French uranium miner Orano said on Wednesday its majority-owned joint venture with Niger, SOMAIR, is on the verge of bankruptcy as a result of export restrictions imposed by Niger’s military government. Orano was forced to suspend production at SOMAIR after authorities halted exports last year. Niger’s government seized the operation in December and announced plans to nationalize it last …
Among the rising demand for critical minerals is a surge in uranium mining stocks that corresponds to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and a push for greater use of nuclear energy. Many people are viewing nuclear energy as a viable source due to its low greenhouse gas profile while also delivering the highest capacity. Essential to nuclear energy is …
Niger plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine operated by France’s Orano after months of worsening relations between the French state-owned company and its local partners following a 2023 coup in the West African nation. Niger’s decision to nationalize Somair comes amid a wave of mine nationalizations across West Africa, prompting concerns from global miners …
On June 19, 2025, the Government of Niger announced, in an official statement following its Council of Ministers meeting, its intent to appropriate SOMAÏR, a joint venture co-owned since 1968 by Orano and SOPAMIN, which represents the Nigerien State within the mining company’s shareholding. This expropriation move is yet a further step in the military …
Figure 1 -NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Chief Executive Officer James Walker and Richwell Lukonga, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency following the signing of the MoU. NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today …
Ontario is preparing to expand its nuclear energy capacity to meet rising electricity demand, a move that could support uranium consumption and create opportunities for critical-mineral development. The Energy for Generations plan, released this month, sets out Ontario’s integrated long-term strategy to modernize the grid, expand transmission and guide power supply as demand is expected to rise …
Kazakhstan and China plan to co-develop a transboundary uranium field, Kazinform News Agency reports. The Satbayev Institute of Geological Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and Xiamen Wanli Stone Co., Ltd signed a framework agreement on joint comparative research of transboundary strategic ore belts between Kazakhstan and China, Kazakh …
Slovakia will not support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia without addressing the problems caused by the cessation of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel supplies. The EU may vote on the sanctions on June 20. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened not to support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia without solving …
Uranium mining is a top issue for both state and federal officials. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in late May with the stated aim to “accelerate the secure and responsible development, demonstration, deployment, and export” of nuclear technology — a call the 89th Texas Legislature heeded with a bill to amend barriers in the state …
Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, is exploring the possibility of supplying uranium to Bulgaria’s nuclear power plant (NPP) and is already in talks with the Bulgarian side, according to Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Kazakhstan’s Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, which controls the uranium company. Zhakupov noted that Bulgaria’s NPP operates two reactor units, offering opportunities for …