The Nigerien government has formally revoked the uranium mining concession previously held by French firm Orano Mining, replacing it with a newly created national company. The move comes as Niamey intensifies efforts to reclaim control over its mineral resources amid ongoing disputes over royalties and environmental obligations.

The Nigerien Council of Ministers, chaired by President Abdourahamane Tiani, approved a decree establishing Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA). This state-owned entity will take over the operations of the former Société des mines de l’Aïr (SOMAIR), which was nationalized last year. The decision ends Orano’s 75-year concession for the Arlit uranium deposit, originally granted in 1978.

In an official statement, Nigerien authorities explained that the name Teloua refers to an underground aquifer in the Arlit mining region, where Orano (formerly Areva) operated the COMINAK mine from 1978 until 2021. The government highlighted the severe environmental damage inflicted on local soils, water resources, and Saharan ecosystems surrounding the mining sites, framing the new company as both a corrective measure and a tribute to affected communities.

Legal standoff intensifies amid unpaid royalties

Under Niger’s mining regulations, a surface royalty of 25 million CFA francs per km² per year applies to non-operational concession areas. Authorities claim Orano Mining failed to comply with this obligation after a 2024 ordinance raised the fee. Following a formal notice issued in September 2025, the company’s refusal to settle the debt provided the legal basis for contract termination. The government also accused Orano of outstanding fiscal and environmental liabilities from previous agreements.

Since the nationalization of SOMAIR in mid-2025, Orano has filed multiple lawsuits against Niger, prompting accusations of judicial harassment from Nigerien Mines Minister Ousmane Abarchi. Authorities allege the legal actions are designed to disrupt the country’s uranium exports to global markets. This latest development is expected to further strain relations between Niamey and Orano, particularly amid broader tensions between Niger and France over security, economic, and strategic concerns.