French nuclear firm Orano says the military authorities in Niger have taken control of its uranium mining operations in the West African country. After seizing power in a coup in July last year, Niger's military rulers said they would revamp rules regulating the mining of raw materials by foreign companies.

Orano SA said Niger has taken operational control of the Somair uranium mine, in an escalating clash between the French state-controlled nuclear group and African nation’s military junta.

French nuclear fuels company Orano said on Wednesday that it had lost control of its Somair uranium mine in Niger, with board decisions no longer being followed and Niger authorities having taken control.