Press release



Given SOMAÏR’s deteriorating financial
situation, Orano asks that employees be
the priority
Paris, November 15, 2024




The Board of Directors of SOMAÏR* met on 12 November 2024 and approved a motion
to introduce protective measures which are essential for preserving the cash required
to pay salaries and maintain the safety and integrity of industrial sites. The Board is
requesting a temporary halt to expenditure related to mining and processing ore, until
such time as it resumes the export and sale of its products.
Head office:
125 Avenue de Paris, At this meeting of the Board, Orano reaffirmed its commitment to SOMAÏR employees
F-92320 Châtillon
by voting for a proposal to direct its remaining available cash reserves towards the
Tel.: +33 (0)1 34 96 00 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 34 96 00 01
payment of salaries and the upkeep of industrial sites’ vital functions for as long as
possible. The administrators representing SOPAMIN* left the meeting room during that
vote, choosing to abstain.

Today, SOMAÏR is stifled by the debts accumulated by its shareholder SOPAMIN, and
by its inability to export and obtain proceeds from the sale of its products, even though
it has quality industrial facilities and mineral reserves which should permit production to
continue until 2040; as well as a competent and highly-qualified Nigerien workforce,
which has demonstrated commendable professionalism and resilience in this trying
time.

It is important to note that what is being announced is in no way a cessation of
operations or closing of the site, but merely the decision to place a stop on all non-
essential expenditure in the current configuration.
Press Office
+33 (0)1 34 96 12 15 As an operator, Orano has always made sustainable investments in SOMAÏR and
press@orano.group regrets this situation and the difficult consequences it will entail for the 750 employees
of SOMAÏR and the firm’s sub-contractors as well as the local economy.
Investor relations
Marc Quesnoy
investors@orano.group Orano considers the statements by the Minister for Mining made to foreign media to be
regrettable, as they indicate a choice which will not resolve the problems facing
SOMAÏR. These damaging statements will not alter Orano’s position.

Only a united effort by all stakeholders to progress towards stability, and measures to
stabilise operations over the long term, can allow SOMAÏR to resume its activities in
peace.


*SOMAÏR’s shareholders: Orano 64.3% - SOPAMIN 36.6% (State of Niger)




About Orano
As a recognized international leading operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address
present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies
enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every
day, the Orano group’s 17,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest
for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials,
for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.

Orano, giving nuclear energy its full value.
www.orano.group
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