On September 25, 2025, Niger’s Minister of Mines proposed that Russia assist in developing its uranium deposits. Given the general improvement in relations between Niamey and Moscow over the past three years, as well as Niger’s significant potential for uranium mining, this initiative could bear fruit, writes Alexandra Zubenko, a consultant at PIR Center.
Niger remains a key player in the global uranium market thanks to its significant reserves. All of the country’s known uranium deposits are located in the Tim Mersoi Basin, a sub-basin of the Iullemmeden Basin, in the area between the cities of Arlit and Akokan in the north of the country.
Uranium development began in Niger in 1956 with the first exploration efforts by the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Studies. Shortly thereafter, the French company Orano (then Areva) began industrial uranium mining in the country. The first commercial uranium mine opened in the Arlit region in 1970. Development continued with varying success, including interruptions due to the decline in global uranium prices. As of January 1, 2023, the total confirmed resources (Reasonably Assured Resources, RAR) of uranium in Niger amounted to approximately 315,170 tonnes of uranium, taking into account the estimated resources of 138,795 tonnes. The average uranium grade in deposits ranges from 0.02% to 0.45%, with most resources suitable for open-pit mining, which reduces production costs.
Major Deposits and the Competitive Landscape of Uranium Mining in Niger
Niger’s major deposits are Azelik, Imourarene, Dasa, Madauela, and Akuta. Of these, only Arlit is in active production. The main operators of these deposits until 2023 were Western companies, although Chinese and South African companies are also present. For example, the Chinese company CNNC also explored and mined uranium at the Azelik deposit until 2014, after which the deposit was placed into recovery mode. South Africa’s Pan African Minerals Limited is exploring deposits in the Agadez region.
Following the fall of pro-French President Mohamed Bazoum, Western companies found themselves in a difficult situation: Nigerien authorities announced their intention to revoke several uranium mining licenses. Specifically, France’s Orano, the traditional leader in uranium mining and processing in the country, lost its licenses in Imourarene and Arlit. In June 2024, Nigerien authorities revoked the license to develop the Imourarene deposit (even though uranium mining had not taken place there since 2015). Later, in December 2024, Orano announced it had lost control of its Somaïr uranium mine in Niger. Furthermore, in response to French and ECOWAS sanctions, Niger refused to “return”, according to various estimates, between 1,300 and 1,500 tonnes of uranium concentrate (“yellowcake”) mined on its territory, worth approximately €250 million, arguing that they could not be exported due to the closure of the border with Benin.
Orano initiated two arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Niger under the procedures of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The grounds for the claims were, firstly, the revocation of the license to develop the Imourarene uranium deposit, located in the north of the country; secondly, the failure to transfer the uranium it produced to the company; and thirdly, the interference of the Nigerien authorities in the activities of Somair, the operator of a uranium open pit mine in central Niger, in which Orano owns a controlling stake. According to the latest information, in September 2025, a new decision was issued in favour of the French company, in which it obliged Niger not to sell, transfer, or facilitate the transfer to third parties of uranium produced by Somair.
In court documents, Orano states that it views Niger's actions as a violation of the Energy Charter Treaty, which guarantees protection for foreign investment in the energy sector, including against expropriation. The Financial Times reported that the company is considering selling its assets in Niger, with Russia, China, and Middle Eastern companies vying for the stake. According to recent reports, Niger unilaterally announced the nationalisation of the Somair joint venture, but the legal proceedings with Orano are not yet over. The Canadian company GoviEx Uranium has also come under attack. In July 2024, the country’s government revoked its license to develop the Madaouela deposit. Following Orano, GoviEx and its subsidiary GoviEx Niger also initiated arbitration proceedings against Niger under the ICSID. Meanwhile, a number of Western companies have managed to maintain their positions. For example, the Canadian company Global Atomic is developing the Dasa uranium project in Niger. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2026, and the project currently enjoys official support from the current government.
Uranium Mining Prospects in Niger
The Dasa and Madaoula deposits, located in the Adrar-Emoles region near Agadez, stand out as the most promising in terms of production efficiency and estimated reserves, according to the IAEA and OECD 2024 report.
As noted, several Dasa mines are being developed by Canada’s Global Atomic; however, a number of deposits remain undeveloped. For example, the Adrar Emolles-4 site includes the Isakanan deposit, with estimated reserves of approximately 13,080 tonnes. Furthermore, the Tin Neguran deposit permits include the Tagadam deposit, with estimated uranium reserves of 3,850 tonnes, suitable for open-pit mining and leaching.
Madauela also contains several promising deposits, such as Miriam, Marianna-Mariline, and Marivon, which have potential for both open-pit and underground mining. Proven reserves at these deposits exceed 42,000 tonnes of uranium.
The Tacardate project, located approximately 40 km northwest of Agadez, has additional potential. Inferred reserves are estimated at 8,270 tonnes, with extensive exploration programmes confirming mineralisation at approximately 40 meters depth. However, a significant drawback is that this region is less well-developed in infrastructure compared to other regions.
In summary, Niger’s uranium industry has potential for growth, due to its significant reserves and low production costs. The recent regime change in the country allows Nigerien authorities to be more flexible in issuing licenses traditionally sought by Western companies, opening the field to alternative players, including Russia.
