Orano loses its license to operate the Imouraren deposit in Niger

Orano has had its license to operate the Imouraren deposit in Niger withdrawn, despite a recovery in line with the authorities' expectations**.

Share:

Retrait permis exploitation gisement Niger

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Orano, which has been present in Niger for over 50 years, has contributed to the development of the country’s uranium potential through its subsidiaries and in collaboration with its partners. The company has always advocated a responsible and transparent approach, in consultation with the State of Niger and local stakeholders. This collaboration took shape in the global partnership agreement signed in May 2023, aimed at enhancing local resources while respecting international environmental and social standards. Despite this, Niger has withdrawn Orano’s license to operate the Imouraren uranium mine.

Market context and opportunities

With uranium prices on the rise, current market conditions were conducive to the resumption of operations at the Imouraren site. In response to requests from the Niger authorities, Orano proposed a technical solution that would enable the deposit to be developed rapidly. This proposal included substantial investments in infrastructure and technology to ensure efficient and sustainable operations. Infrastructure had been reopened by June 4, 2024 to prepare for the arrival of construction teams and keep work moving forward. This initiative demonstrated Orano’s commitment to revitalizing the project by creating local jobs and supporting the region’s economic development.

Impact of the decision on regional development

The decision by the Niger authorities to withdraw the mining permit for the Imouraren deposit has Orano concerned about the economic and social repercussions for the region. Withdrawal of the permit is likely to hinder economic, social and societal development in northern Niger, impacting local communities that have benefited from mining activities. The shutdown could also lead to a loss of confidence in Niger’s mining sector on the part of international investors, jeopardizing future investment projects in the country.
The Imouraren deposit, one of the largest uranium deposits in the world, represents a major source of revenue for Niger. Exploitation of this deposit would have generated significant economic spin-offs, notably through the creation of direct and indirect jobs, the development of local infrastructure and a contribution to government tax revenues. Closure of the site could therefore have long-term negative consequences for the region’s economic development, increasing the vulnerability of local communities already affected by difficult living conditions.

Reactions and outlook

Orano remains open to dialogue with the Niger authorities to find a solution to this situation. The company intends to continue playing an active role in the development of Niger’s mining sector and supporting local communities. Orano has expressed its willingness to keep all channels of communication open with the State of Niger in order to discuss possible alternatives for relaunching the Imouraren project. The aim of this approach is to find a compromise that would benefit all stakeholders and enable the region’s economic and social development objectives to be pursued.
However, the company plans to challenge this decision before the relevant national and international judicial bodies, in order to defend its interests and those of its local partners. Orano could resort to international arbitration to resolve this dispute, citing the commitments made by the State of Niger under the partnership agreements it has signed. Although complex and potentially time-consuming, this legal process would be designed to protect Orano’s investments and ensure compliance with bilateral agreements.

Cameco and Brookfield have signed a strategic agreement with the US government to build new Westinghouse reactors, a project valued at a minimum of $80bn, including an unprecedented public participation mechanism.
Talks are underway between Astana and Helsinki to consider the delivery of Kazakh uranium for Finnish nuclear power plants, amid efforts to diversify energy export markets.
NextEra Energy announces an agreement with Google to restart a nuclear plant in Iowa, with operations expected to resume as early as 2029 and full site ownership secured.
The environmental review of TerraPower’s Natrium project in Wyoming has been completed, paving the way for a construction permit for this advanced nuclear reactor.
Santee Cooper has selected Brookfield Asset Management to lead a feasibility study aimed at completing two unfinished AP1000 reactors, without relying on public funds or raising consumer rates.
Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy have officially requested the Spanish government to delay the closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, originally scheduled for 2028, reigniting the debate on nuclear power's role in the national energy mix.
The reactor vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant has been delivered following a 20-day maritime transport from Saint Petersburg, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy project.
Ontario Power Generation secures CAD3bn ($2.1bn) in public equity financing to construct four modular reactors at Darlington, aiming to ease private sector entry into next-generation nuclear infrastructure.
French developer Newcleo launches a joint venture with Nextchem through a EUR70 mn contract to design the conventional island of its upcoming 200 MW modular nuclear reactors.
NANO Nuclear strengthens its North American strategy by acquiring Global First Power in Canada, securing regulatory rights for its KRONOS MMR™ project at Chalk River.
South Korea becomes the first country to submit a safeguards technical report to the IAEA for a small modular reactor, setting a precedent for early integration of non-proliferation requirements in nuclear design.
The Environmental Authority criticises the lack of key data on health risks, chemical discharges and construction safety for EDF's two upcoming EPR2 reactors in Seine-Maritime.
Brazil and China have concluded a three-year agreement to secure access to essential radioisotopes for the medical, industrial and scientific sectors, with no financial exchange between the parties.
US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.