Javier Blas added, "In the event that Niger aligns with Russia, the world would become even more reliant on Moscow - and its allies - for nuclear energy."
Western countries are expressing significant concerns over the potential rapprochement between Russia and Niger, a major uranium producer, as this could further increase their reliance on Moscow for nuclear energy, according to Bloomberg columnist Javier Blas.
Blas highlighted that if Niger aligns with Russia, it would add to the already substantial uranium production from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, former Soviet republics accounting for around 50% of the world's mined supply. The inclusion of Russia and Niger would elevate this share to just above 60%.
Uranium deposits in Niger were discovered in the 1950s, and in 2022, the mines around the town of Arlit in northern Niger accounted for 25% of all European Union uranium exports.
Niger stands as the seventh-largest uranium producer globally and the second-largest in Africa, following Namibia.
The situation in Niger has become tense, with military rebels announcing the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, imposing a curfew, and suspending the constitution. In response, Russia emphasized the need for a national dialogue and efforts to prevent the situation from worsening, according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
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