Niger security forces search Orano offices and seize phones, sources say
Security forces in Niger have searched the offices of uranium miner Orano's local subsidiaries, seizing phones and equipment, two sources told Reuters on Tuesday, months after the French company said authorities had seized control of its Somair mine.
One of the sources, who is close to Orano, also said local director Ibrahim Courmo had been arrested.
Orano said it had "very limited" information on the situation because it had lost operational control of its subsidiaries in December.
"On Monday May 5 it appears that Nigerien law enforcement officers intervened at the headquarters of the Somair, Cominak, and Orano Mining Niger subsidiaries in Niamey, with equipment seized," the company said a statement to Reuters late on Tuesday.
"We are very concerned about the situation, as we have not been able to contact the Orano representative in Niger at this stage."
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