Niger has accused French nuclear fuel group Orano of predatory behaviour and environmental crimes, escalating a bitter dispute over control of the West African nation's uranium mines.
The military-led government said Orano could face criminal proceedings for mass crimes after authorities reported finding 400 barrels of radioactive core material in Madaouela, near Arlit, where Orano used to operate its uranium mines.
Orano, 90 owned by the French state, said it had not received any official notice of legal action and denied operating at Madaouela.
