Niger hands seized uranium mining permit to state company in fresh blow to France’s Orano

On Aug 25, 2026

Niger’s military government has transferred a major uranium mining permit previously held by French nuclear company Orano SA to state-owned Tsumco SA, deepening a dispute that has strained relations between Niamey and one of its biggest foreign investors.

The permit covers the Somaïr uranium operation in the In Aouza area, which Niger took control of in June 2025 after accusing Orano of extracting more uranium than allowed under its operating agreement. Orano has rejected the takeover and is challenging Niger’s actions through several commercial courts.

The latest decision was approved at a cabinet meeting on Friday, according to minutes of the session, and gives the state greater control over one of the country’s most important uranium assets.

Orano previously held about 63 percent of Somaïr, while Niger’s state mining company held the remaining stake. The transfer to Tsumco marks another step in the military government’s effort to reshape the mining sector and increase state control over the country’s natural resources.

Uranium is strategically important because it is used to fuel nuclear power plants, making Niger’s mining industry significant beyond its borders. The country has long been an important uranium producer and supplier, particularly to European markets.

The dispute with Orano reflects the broader shift in Niger’s approach to foreign mining companies since the military took power three years ago. The government has increasingly sought greater control over natural resources and a larger share of the revenue generated from them.

Orano has not accepted the loss of Somaïr. The French company has launched legal proceedings against Niger in several commercial courts, leaving the future ownership and operation of the mine unresolved.

The government also awarded another uranium permit during Friday’s cabinet meeting. Madaouela Mining Co. received a permit covering the Madaouela project after agreeing to pay a fixed $10 million upfront fee.

The permit was previously revoked by Niger in July 2024. Its former holder, Canadian company GoviEx Uranium Inc., subsequently began arbitration proceedings against the government over the cancellation.

The two decisions reinforce a clear policy direction in Niger’s mining industry: greater state involvement and tighter control over strategic mineral assets.

For investors, that shift brings both opportunities and risks. Greater state participation could allow Niger to retain more value from its uranium resources, but disputes with foreign operators and the possibility of further changes to mining rights could make the country a more difficult investment environment.

The outcome of Orano’s legal challenges will be important. A ruling in favour of the French company could alter the government’s plans for Somaïr, while a decision supporting Niger could strengthen Niamey’s position in its push for greater control of the uranium industry.

For now, the transfer of the Somaïr permit signals that Niger’s military government is moving beyond rhetoric on resource nationalism and putting greater state ownership into practice.

Faith Omoboye

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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