Niger awards uranium mining permits to state-owned and Australian-linked firms

Niger's Council of Ministers has awarded two major uranium mining permits to local entities, signaling a significant shift toward resource sovereignty and the end of long-standing French control over the sector.

The first permit, for the ‘In Azaoua’ area in the Arlit region, was granted to the state-owned Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA). This company was established to replace SOMAÏR, a joint venture previously controlled by the French company Orano. Following a military coup in 2023, Niger revoked Orano's permits, eventually nationalizing SOMAÏR in 2025. The new decree aims to ensure the continuity of uranium mining in the area.

The second permit covers the Madaouela project and was awarded to Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO), a Nigerien subsidiary of the Australian firm Atomic Eagle. Under this arrangement, the Nigerien state holds a 40% stake, while Atomic Eagle maintains 60% and operational control. The Madaouela permit was previously expropriated from the Canadian company GoviEx Uranium Inc in 2024. As part of the agreement, MAMICO is expected to pay approximately $10 million upfront and create roughly 1,000 jobs for local citizens.