The Nigerien government has terminated its uranium mining concession with French firm Orano Mining, replacing it with a newly established national company. This decisive move follows a ministerial decree signed by President Abdourahamane Tiani, marking the end of a decades-long partnership that began in 1978.
The newly formed Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA) now holds exclusive rights to exploit the Arlit uranium deposit, a site previously managed by Orano’s subsidiary, SOMAIR. The name Teloua pays tribute to the underground aquifer beneath the mining region, a symbolic gesture reflecting Niamey’s commitment to environmental accountability and reclamation of exploited lands.
The end of a decades-old agreement
Orano Mining’s 75-year concession, originally granted in 1978, has been revoked after authorities determined the company failed to meet financial and environmental obligations. The government highlighted severe ecological damage to soil, water resources, and Saharan ecosystems surrounding the mining sites, citing these as key factors in the decision.
Under new regulations adopted in August 2024, inactive mining perimeters are now subject to a 25 million CFA franc annual fee per square kilometer. Orano’s refusal to comply with this requirement led to a formal notice in September 2025, which ultimately provided the legal basis for contract termination. Authorities also accuse the French company of outstanding fiscal and environmental liabilities from previous operations.
Legal battles and shifting geopolitical tensions
Since Niger nationalized SOMAIR in June 2025, Orano has filed multiple lawsuits against the state, with the Nigerien Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, describing the proceedings as “judicial harassment”. The minister warned that these legal maneuvers aim to disrupt Niger’s uranium exports, a vital revenue stream for the nation.
This confrontation underscores a broader rift between Niamey and Paris, driven by divergent security, economic, and strategic priorities. The creation of TSUMCO SA signals Niger’s determination to reclaim full sovereignty over its natural resources while addressing environmental and financial grievances tied to foreign exploitation.
