Russia is in talks to purchase around 1,000 tonnes of uranium from Niger in a deal valued at approximately $170mn, according to French security assessments cited by Le Monde. The reported negotiations come as Niamey deepens political and economic ties with Moscow following last year’s military takeover.

The uranium is understood to be linked to the Arlit mining zone in northern Niger, where French state-backed miner Orano has historically operated in partnership with the Nigerien state. Since the July 2023 coup, authorities have moved to assert greater control over strategic mining assets and have restructured cooperation agreements with foreign partners.

Niger is one of the world’s most significant uranium suppliers, with production concentrated around Arlit and Akokan. The SOMAIR mine, majority-owned by Orano, continues to operate, while the COMINAK mine closed in 2021 following resource depletion.

The large but long-delayed Imouraren deposit remains under evaluation. Uranium exports have historically served European nuclear utilities, making the sector a strategic economic pillar and a key factor in Niger’s diplomatic repositioning since the coup.

The French security assessments cited by Le Monde state that Niger and Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom are exploring logistical options to move the material to Russia. Neither Rosatom nor Niger’s government has publicly confirmed any agreement, volumes, or timetable.

The assessments also warn that any overland transport route would likely pass through Burkina Faso, where large areas are contested by armed jihadist groups aligned with Islamic State and al-Qaeda. Analysts cited by Le Monde said this would raise the security and diversion risks associated with moving nuclear materials, though no evidence has been presented that a shipment is imminent.

The reported negotiations come amid a broader realignment in the Sahel, where military governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have reduced cooperation with France and expanded security and commercial ties with Russia, including through state entities and private military contractors.

Niger remains a significant global uranium supplier, historically providing fuel for European nuclear utilities. The direction of future exports has become a geopolitical issue as Niamey recalibrates external partnerships.