Niger bans uranium and gold exports to France

                                                                                 Niger bans uranium and gold exports to France

Niger has banned the export of uranium and gold to France in a move that could have significant implications for the French nuclear power industry. The ban was announced by Niger's Minister of Mines, Oumarou Idani, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Idani said that the ban was necessary to protect Niger's economic interests. He also said that the French government had not been paying Niger a fair price for its uranium and gold.

The ban is likely to have a significant impact on the French nuclear power industry. France relies on Niger for about 17% of its uranium imports. The ban could force French nuclear power companies to find new sources of uranium, which could be expensive and time-consuming.

The ban could also have a political impact. Niger is a former French colony, and the ban could strain relations between the two countries.

It is unclear how long the ban will last. Idani said that the ban would be lifted once Niger was satisfied with the terms of its agreement with France.

The ban is the latest in a series of disputes between Niger and France over the country's natural resources. In 2019, Niger accused France of plundering its uranium reserves. The two countries have also been at odds over the terms of Niger's debt to France.

The ban is a significant development, and it is unclear what the long-term implications will be. However, it is clear that the ban has the potential to damage relations between Niger and France and to have a significant impact on the French nuclear power industry.