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.
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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.
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