MainPIR Press News№ 30 (88), 2025. On September 18, 2025, PIR Center will hold an expert seminar on “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current Situation, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia” in a hybrid format
№ 30 (88), 2025. On September 18, 2025, PIR Center will hold an expert seminar on “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current Situation, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia” in a hybrid format
MOSCOW. SEPTEMBER 4, 2025. PIR PRESS. «The Sahel region, which includes Mauritania, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, has been in a state of deep economic and political turbulence since 2022-2023. The withdrawal of French troops, a series of military coups, the increasing activity of jihadist groups, international sanctions and the effects of climate change had a significant impact on the macroeconomic dynamics of these countries. At the same time, the state of the crisis has prompted these countries to review a number of principles of domestic and foreign policy of previous governments. Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have embarked on a policy of rapprochement with non-Western external players, including Russia. It is too early to judge how fruitful this cooperation will be, but there are definitely many possible areas for cooperation. One of such promising areas is the extraction and processing of uranium, the development of nuclear energy, and the non-energy use of nuclear technologies. However, significant progress in this direction can be achieved only if industrial enterprises are adequately protected and related infrastructure is developed (including transport), and the involvement of the local population in the work of enterprises», – Ms. Alexandra Zubenko, PIR Center Consultant.
On September 18, 2025, PIR Center together with MGIMO University will hold a seminar on the topic “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current Situation, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia”. As part of the seminar, a research work by Ms. Alexandra Zubenko, PIR Center Consultant, will be presented for discussion.
The Sahel region is characterized by similar security challenges, including the spread of terrorism, organized crime, weak state institutions and borders, forced migration, poverty, and a humanitarian crisis. Economically, the countries of the region have a high dependence on agriculture, vulnerability to climate change, strong political and economic dependence on former colonial powers, and shared humanitarian problems. The study examines the economic, political, and social consequences of the withdrawal of French troops from these countries. Particular attention is also given to neighboring border countries, the Central African Republic, Libya, and Sudan, where the situation continues to impact security issues in the Sahel states, including demographics, the economy, migration, terrorism, and separatism.
Uranium mining and processing in the region are of special geopolitical and economic interest to international players. Although uranium extraction currently takes place only in Niger, current research and geological exploration indicate significant prospects for uranium development across the region. Geologically, the region is united by the presence of large sedimentary platforms such as the Taoudeni, Iullemeden, and Tim Mersoï basins, which have favorable conditions for the formation of uranium ores. These structures extend across several Sahel G5 states, creating similarities in the region’s mineral resource base.
Additionally, the largest uranium projects in the region have traditionally been controlled by foreign corporations. French and Canadian companies, such as Orano (formerly Areva) and Goviex Uranium, have traditionally dominated the development of key deposits. In recent years, Australian mining firms, which actively invest in geological exploration projects and adhere to international ESG standards, have begun to exert significant influence. The monopolization of the market by foreign companies, on the one hand, limits the ability of the regional countries to independently manage their resources; on the other hand, it creates jobs, necessary infrastructure, and contributes to the training of local specialists. After a series of military coups, French companies began to lose their positions in the region, and the uranium mining company Orano completely lost its licenses for exploration and mining in Niger. In this regard, opportunities for other international players, including Russia, have significantly expanded. The study analyzes the current situation in uranium mining and exploration in the countries of the region and assesses the possibilities and risks for the entry of Russian mining companies into the market.
The study examines the features and prospects of uranium mining in the region, as well as a detailed analysis of security issues including the security of supply chains, mining industry infrastructure, investments; it also provides assessments of the opportunities and prospects for cooperation with Russia in these areas. The study uses an extensive open-source methodology, including satellite imagery analysis. Additionally, a series of interviews with experts and diplomats from African countries was conducted.
Format and Conditions of Participation:
The event will be held on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. (Moscow Standard Time) in a hybrid format:
Offline: MGIMO University, Hall 5. For external guests who would like to participate in the event in person and do not have an MGIMO pass, please contact Mr. Yuriy Shakhov, Editor at Information, Publications and Digital Communications Program, PIR Center, via e-mail inform@pircenter.org.
Online: broadcast via Yandex.Telemost platform.
The working language is Russian
Registration for online participants is mandatory (until 12:00 p.m. on September 17, 2025).
The expected participants include experts from the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of African Studies at Lomonosov Moscow State University the Institute of International Studies at MGIMO University, and the international Valdai Discussion Club.
For questions about participation, please contact Mr. Yuriy Shakhov, Editor at Information, Publications and Digital Communications Program, PIR Center, via e-mail inform@pircenter.org.
