Niger establishes TSUMCO, ending Orano’s long-standing Arlit uranium concession

Niger has officially inaugurated the Timersoï Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO), a new national entity poised to assume control over the uranium deposits in Arlit, situated in the country’s northern region. This pivotal moment simultaneously signals the conclusion of the historic concession previously granted to the French group Orano, formerly Areva, over one of the Sahel’s most strategically vital mining basins. This decision aligns with the transitional authorities’ broader initiative in Niamey to reclaim ownership of the nation’s natural resources.

A new national enterprise for Arlit uranium

The formation of TSUMCO underscores the Nigerien government’s determination to integrate the entire value chain of uranium, a critical strategic mineral. The Arlit site, operational since the early 1970s, has historically served as a cornerstone of France’s civilian nuclear fuel supply. Its management by a Nigerien public company fundamentally alters the capital structure: the State, previously a minority shareholder or technical partner, now assumes the role of direct operator.

This transition introduces a multitude of operational considerations. Exploiting a uranium site demands specialized expertise, stringent radiation protection protocols, and secure commercial pathways. TSUMCO must swiftly define its industrial strategies, encompassing the reintegration of local staff, the maintenance of existing facilities, and the selection of potential technical partners for mineral conversion and export.

Orano: the conclusion of a Nigerien era

For Orano, the cessation of its Arlit operations closes a chapter spanning over half a century. The group, which traces its lineage through Cogema and Areva, conducted its activities in Niger via two prominent subsidiaries: Société des mines de l’Aïr (Somaïr) and Compagnie minière d’Akouta (Cominak), with the latter having already ceased its activities in 2021. Since the July 2023 coup d’état and the subsequent deterioration of relations between Paris and Niamey, the status of French assets within the country has steadily worsened.

The withdrawal of the exploitation permit for the Imouraren deposit, announced earlier in 2024, served as a preliminary indicator. The termination of the Arlit concession now unequivocally confirms Niger’s intent to permanently transition away from mining cooperation with its former historical partner. This dispute may extend into international legal arenas, as Orano has already initiated arbitration proceedings concerning other Nigerien matters.

Mining sovereignty and forging new alliances

The establishment of TSUMCO is part of a wider regional trend. In both Mali and Burkina Faso, transitional military governments are actively revising mining codes, renegotiating agreements, and increasing public stakes in extractive projects. This Sahelian triumvirate, now unified under the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), advocates for a sovereignist interpretation of mining revenues.

For Niamey, a key objective is also to diversify its customer base. Russia, China, Turkey, and certain Gulf nations are frequently mentioned as potential partners for the Sahel’s strategic minerals. Nigerien uranium, which in recent years accounted for approximately one-fifth of the European Union’s supply, could therefore see its trade flows significantly reconfigured. Long-term contracts with EDF and other European electricity providers will require reevaluation in light of this new landscape.

The question of budgetary revenues remains paramount. Uranium, long criticized for its seemingly modest contribution to Niger’s public finances, could, under direct national management, generate greater margins, provided TSUMCO successfully secures solvent markets and effectively manages its costs. In the immediate future, ensuring operational continuity, sustaining local employment, and maintaining radiological safety at the site represent the primary operational challenges.

This situation profoundly illustrates the ongoing geoeconomic repositioning across the central Sahel. Beyond its symbolic significance, the creation of TSUMCO commits Niger to a demanding path, where declared sovereignty must be substantiated by tangible industrial performance.