The company, which holds a more than 60% stake in the mine, said it has been warning for several months of interference in governance at Somair, where it was forced to suspend production after authorities halted exports last year.

Niger accounts for about 4% of global output of uranium, the most widely used fuel for nuclear energy, and Orano has operated mines in the country for years.

However, the business climate for international companies in Niger has become uncertain after a military coup last year.

Orano said a resolution adopted by the Somair board on November 12 to suspend expenditure related to production to preserve funds for salaries was being deliberately ignored.

--Reuters--