Niger takes full control of uranium mines from Orano Mining

The Nigerien government has terminated the uranium mining concession held by the French firm Orano Mining, replacing it with a newly established national company. This decisive move follows months of legal disputes and underscores Niamey’s commitment to regaining sovereignty over its mineral wealth.

The Council of Ministers, chaired by President Abdourahamane Tiani, approved a decree last week to create Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA). This state-owned entity will now oversee operations in the Arlit mining region, a key uranium-producing area where Orano Mining has held a 75-year concession since 1978. The nationalization of the former Société des mines de l’Aïr (SOMAIR) marks the formal end of French involvement in Niger’s uranium sector.

TSUMCO SA and the legacy of environmental concerns

The newly formed company draws its name from the Teloua aquifer, a vital water source beneath the Arlit mining zone. Authorities highlighted that the region’s uranium extraction, particularly at the now-defunct COMINAK mine (operated by Orano/Areva from 1978 to 2021), has left lasting environmental scars. The government emphasized the need to address these ecological damages, framing the establishment of TSUMCO SA as both a strategic and environmental imperative.

Legal showdown over unpaid royalties

Tensions escalated after Niger introduced a new mining regulation in August 2024, imposing a 25 million CFA franc per km² annual superficial royalty on non-exploited concession areas. Orano Mining allegedly failed to comply with this obligation, prompting a formal notice in September 2025. The government cited this non-payment as a key justification for revoking the company’s license, while also accusing Orano of outstanding tax and environmental obligations from past agreements.

The French firm has since filed multiple lawsuits against the Nigerien state, actions described by Mines Minister Ousmane Abarchi as attempts to disrupt the country’s uranium exports. These legal battles have further strained relations between Niamey and Paris, compounding broader disputes over security, economic policies, and geopolitical alliances.

With TSUMCO SA now in charge, Niger aims to assert greater control over its uranium sector, signaling a shift toward self-reliance in managing its strategic resources.