The Nigerien government formalized on May 18, 2026, during a cabinet meeting, the establishment of a national uranium mining company and the revocation of the mining concession held by French group Orano at the Arlit site. The decision, approved under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, marks the formal end of over five decades of French involvement in the country’s uranium industry.

Under the new structure, named Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA), all assets of the Société des Mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR SA), nationalized in 2025, have been transferred to state hands. The site, one of the world’s most significant uranium deposits, holds estimated reserves of 200,000 tonnes based on available data.

Gradual shift in uranium governance since 2023

The removal of Orano was not an abrupt move. Since the July 2023 coup, Niamey has systematically advanced its strategy: revoking the operating license in 2024, nationalizing SOMAÏR in 2025, and now establishing a state-run successor in May 2026. The name “Teloua” — a nod to the underground aquifer beneath the former COMINAK mine — underscores the government’s symbolic intent behind this transition. Authorities have cited Orano’s failure to address millions of tonnes of radioactive waste left behind since the 1970s, harming local populations and ecosystems.

Orano disputes the move as exports remain on hold

The French company, over 90% state-owned by France, has filed multiple international arbitration claims against Niger. An arbitral tribunal has already ordered Niamey to halt exports of uranium from SOMAÏR, where approximately 1,300 tonnes of concentrate remain, valued by Orano at around 250 million euros. The Nigerien Minister of Mines, Ousmane Abarchi, described these legal challenges as “near-judicial harassment.”

The outcome of the international arbitration will determine whether TSUMCO SA can sell its uranium on global markets. No procedural timeline has been officially disclosed at this time.