Niger grants major uranium mining permits to national and foreign firms

Niger has issued two major uranium mining permits as part of a broader restructuring of its mining industry under the military-led government. The Council of Ministers, chaired by General Abdourahamane Tiani, approved the permits for the In Azaoua and Madaouela I projects in the Arlit area.

The In Azaoua permit was awarded to the Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA), a national entity created following the nationalization of the French-controlled Société des Mines de l’Aïr (SOMAÏR).

The Madaouela I permit was re-granted to the Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO), a subsidiary of the Australian firm Atomic Eagle. Under a new mining convention, Atomic Eagle will hold a 60% stake and maintain operational control, while the Nigerien state will hold 40%. The state will receive 15% of its stake for free, with the remaining 25% requiring financing. This agreement follows a two-year dispute after Niger withdrew previous mining rights in 2024.

MAMICO is required to pay an initial $10 million royalty to the state, support local communities, and comply with local-content rules. The company has committed to creating approximately 1,000 jobs for Nigerien citizens.