Niger nationalizes uranium sector, ending french presence

The Nigerien government formally asserted its full sovereignty over the nation’s vital uranium resources on May 18, 2026. During a Council of Ministers meeting led by Head of State General Abdourahamane Tiani, a decree was issued establishing a new national company for uranium exploitation. This significant move also officially revoked the mining concession previously held by the French group Orano at the Arlit site.

This decision marks a definitive end to more than fifty years of French involvement in Niger’s uranium industry, a pivotal development in African current affairs and a testament to evolving African governance.

The newly formed public entity, named Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA), is set to absorb all assets of the Société des Mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR SA), which was nationalized in 2025. TSUMCO SA now controls one of the world’s most substantial uranium deposits, with estimated reserves of 200,000 tonnes, according to available data.

A strategic shift initiated in phases since 2023

Orano’s departure is the culmination of a deliberate, multi-stage process initiated by Niamey following the July 2023 coup. The government systematically advanced its agenda: withdrawing Orano’s operating permit in 2024, nationalizing SOMAÏR in 2025, and ultimately creating the state-owned replacement structure in May 2026. The name “Teloua,” referencing the underground aquifer beneath the former COMINAK mine facilities, symbolically underscores the authorities’ commitment to this transition.

The Nigerien government has also accused Orano of leaving behind millions of tonnes of radioactive waste at sites operated since the 1970s, alleging severe detriment to local populations and ecosystems.

Orano challenges decision, exports remain blocked

In response to these actions, the French group Orano, predominantly owned by the French state with over 90% capital, has initiated multiple international arbitration proceedings against Niger. An arbitration tribunal has already issued an injunction, prohibiting Niamey from commercializing uranium extracted from SOMAÏR. This stock is estimated by Orano to be approximately 1,300 tonnes of concentrate, with a market value of around 250 million euros. Niger’s Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, has characterized these legal challenges as “judicial quasi-harassment.”

The future capacity of TSUMCO SA to sell its production on global markets hinges entirely on the outcome of these ongoing international arbitration proceedings. As of now, no official procedural timelines have been disclosed.