Niger transfers uranium mining rights previously held by Orano and GoviEx

The Nigerien government has awarded two uranium mining licences previously held by French group Orano and Canadian group Govi High-Power Exploration (GoviEx) to domestic companies (Nigerien government press release, 21/08/2026).

The “TELOUA SAFEGUARDING URANIUM MINING COMPANY (TSUMCO SA)” has now been granted the licence for “large-scale uranium mining, located in the commune of Arlit, Arlit department, Agadez region”, which was previously held by French group Orano through its subsidiary Société des mines de l’Aïr (SOMAIR).

Meanwhile, the licence for “large-scale uranium mining known as MADAOUELA I”, previously held by Canadian group GoviEx, has been awarded to Nigerien company MADAOUELA MINING COMPANY (MAMICO).

Orano lost its licence in June 2024, when Niger terminated its mining agreements with France. Despite the legal proceedings initiated by Orano before the relevant international authorities, the Nigerien authorities announced in June 2025 the nationalisation of SOMAIR, which was 63.40% owned by Orano and had been mining uranium in Niger since 1971.

As for Canadian group GoviEx, its licence was withdrawn in July 2024, following the expiry of an ultimatum ordering the company to begin operations at its site.

Since the 2023 change of regime, Niger has pursued a policy aimed at securing full control over its mineral resources, while diversifying its partners for their development and commercialisation.