Niger has granted a uranium mining permit previously held by French nuclear company Orano SA to a state-controlled entity, cementing the military junta’s takeover of the Somaïr mine.

The permit, for the Azaoua uranium area, was granted to Tsumco SA, which the African nation created after nationalising Somaïr, minutes from a Nigerien cabinet meeting show.

Orano previously held 63% of Somaïr, which operated the mine in partnership with Sopamin, Niger’s state mining company.

Niger’s military authorities took over the mine, one of the largest uranium reserves in Niger, in 2024, accusing Orano of planning to halt operations and sell its stake without following proper procedures. In June 2025, Niger unilaterally nationalised the mine, leaving Orano without operational control.