Niger’s military junta has moved 1,000 tonnes of uranium, seized from French nuclear company Orano, from the Arlit mines to an airbase in Niamey, where it now remains unsold and vulnerable after a recent attack by ISIS militants, FT reported.

Axar.az reports that the uranium, valued at around $240 million, was nationalized after the 2023 coup that expelled French influence.

The junta views the move as a break from its colonial past, while France considers it a potential asset seizure and has initiated legal action to block any sale. An arbitration panel reportedly ordered Niger not to sell or transfer the uranium.

Nigeria exports uranium “yellowcake,” used for nuclear power fuel and potentially weapons enrichment. Before the coup, the country supplied up to a quarter of Europe’s natural uranium.

Facing financial strain and growing security threats from ISIS, Niger is seeking buyers. Officials say they are in talks with Russia, China, and the United States. Analysts suggest Russia is the most likely buyer, though some within Niger’s leadership fear that selling to Moscow could further isolate the country.

A UAE-based firm, Axia Power, whose leadership has included a former employee of Russia’s nuclear giant Rosatom, has also shown interest.