Niger takes control of uranium mining with new national company

In a decisive move to reclaim sovereignty over its natural resources, Niger has terminated its decades-long partnership with French mining giant Orano. The Nigerien government announced the establishment of TSUMCO SA (Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company), a state-owned enterprise set to take over uranium extraction operations previously managed by Orano’s subsidiary, SOMAIR.

The decision follows a cabinet meeting chaired by President Abdourahamane Tiani, marking the end of a 75-year concession agreement signed in 1978. TSUMCO SA will now oversee uranium mining in the Arlit region, a critical area for Niger’s economy, while addressing environmental concerns linked to past operations.

Why the name TSUMCO SA?

The newly created company draws its name from the Teloua aquifer beneath Arlit, a symbolic choice for authorities. This reference underscores Niger’s commitment to restoring ecological balance after years of uranium extraction that left lasting damage to soil, water, and desert ecosystems. The government frames this move as both a duty of remembrance and a step toward environmental accountability.

Legal battle with Orano intensifies

Orano has refused to comply with a 2024 mining regulation requiring a 25 million CFA franc annual fee per square kilometer for unused concession areas. After issuing a formal notice in September 2025, Niger’s government cited the company’s non-payment as grounds for revoking its mining rights. Authorities also accuse Orano of failing to meet past fiscal and environmental obligations.

Since June 2025, when SOMAIR was nationalized, Orano has filed multiple lawsuits against Niger, alleging unfair treatment. Niger’s Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, condemned these actions as judicial harassment, designed to disrupt the country’s uranium exports. The latest decree further strains relations between Niamey and Paris, deepening a broader rift over economic, security, and strategic policies.