The Niger government formalized on May 18, 2026, during a cabinet meeting, the establishment of a national uranium mining company and the revocation of the mining concession held by the French group Orano at the Arlit site. This decision, approved under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, marks the definitive end of over half a century of French involvement in Niger’s uranium industry.
New state entity to manage uranium assets
The newly created public entity, Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA), has taken over all assets of the SOMAÏR SA mining company, which was nationalized in 2025. TSUMCO SA now controls one of the world’s most significant uranium deposits, with estimated reserves of 200,000 tonnes based on available data.
Phased transition since 2023
The removal of Orano was not an abrupt move. Since the July 2023 coup, Niamey has systematically taken steps: revocation of the operating license in 2024, nationalization of SOMAÏR in 2025, and the creation of a state-run replacement structure in May 2026. The name Teloua—inspired by the underground aquifer beneath the former COMINAK mine—symbolizes the government’s commitment to this transition. Authorities have accused Orano of leaving millions of tonnes of radioactive waste at sites operated since the 1970s, harming local populations and ecosystems.
Orano challenges decision amid export restrictions
Orano, whose shares are over 90% owned by the French state, has initiated multiple international arbitration proceedings against Niger. An arbitral tribunal has already ordered Niamey to halt the sale of uranium extracted from SOMAÏR, with an estimated 1,300 tonnes of concentrate in stock—valued at around €250 million by Orano. The Nigerien Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, described these legal actions as “near-judicial harassment.”
The outcome of the international arbitration will determine TSUMCO SA’s ability to export its production to global markets. No procedural deadlines have been officially announced at this stage.
