Niger Reallocates Uranium Mining Permits to State-Owned Entities

Arlit Uranium Permit Awarded to TSUMCO SA

On August 21, the Council of Ministers in Niger adopted a draft decree to award a large uranium mining permit in the Arlit region to the Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA). This permit covers the "In Azaoua" area, ensuring the continuation of uranium mining operations in Niger. TSUMCO SA was established by a Council of Ministers decree in May, coinciding with the cancellation of the Arlit concession previously granted to the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 1968.

The Teloua name references the underground aquifer that supported operations at the COMINAK mine, which was run by Orano and its predecessor, Areva, from 1978 to 2021. The decree establishing TSUMCO initially provided for work to continue on the area previously exploited by SOMAÏR, pending the award of a large mining exploitation permit.

Background on Permit Revocations and Nationalization

The permit reallocation follows a series of events initiated by a military coup in July 2023, which led to Niger revoking Orano's mining permits. Orano announced in December 2024 that it had lost operational control of its mines in Niger. Subsequently, in June 2025, SOMAÏR, which was 63.4% owned by Orano and 36.6% by Niger's state mining assets company Sopamin, was nationalized. SOMAÏR, or Société des Mines de l'Aïr, was established in 1968 and operated the Arlit mine.

Madouela Project Permit Reallocated

During the same August 21 meeting, the Council of Ministers also approved a draft decree to reallocate the mining permit for the Madouela project. This permit has been assigned to the newly incorporated Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO). MAMICO is the Niger subsidiary of Australia-based Atomic Eagle, with the state of Niger holding a 40% stake in the company. The rights to the Madouela project were expropriated from the previous holder, GoviEx Uranium Inc, in 2024.

India targets domestic SCADA systems to reduce grid reliance on foreign technology by 2030

India's government is pursuing domestic development of SCADA systems—the control infrastructure that monitors and manages the national electricity grid—to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen energy security. The Central Electricity Authority has outlined a phased approach targeting completion of software and hardware development by 2028–29, with an import ban scheduled for 2030.

Current local content in grid SCADA systems remains below 20%, despite a 50% minimum requirement set by the power ministry. The roadmap identifies 38 software modules and 25 hardware components for indigenous development, with 36 software modules and 16 hardware components expected to be ready within two years.

  • Testing and certification ecosystem to be established within two years, with pilot projects at state and regional load despatch centres
  • Power System Development Fund identified as potential funding source for development and validation infrastructure
  • Institutional mechanism—either a National SCADA Mission or specialized working group—proposed to drive implementation and coordinate between government entities

Strategic rationale

Reliance on foreign original equipment manufacturers creates vendor lock-in, interoperability constraints, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The report cites risks including delayed system upgrades, limited transparency in proprietary systems, and exposure to geopolitical disruptions affecting technology access and support services.

NECX 2026 Opens in Dallas with Focus on Nuclear Sector Growth

The Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX 2026) commenced in Dallas, Texas, with an opening plenary session featuring senior representatives from government agencies, regulatory bodies, and nuclear industry operators. The gathering addressed the expanding landscape of opportunities now available to participants across the nuclear energy sector.

NECX serves as the premier annual forum for the nuclear industry, jointly hosted by the American Nuclear Society and the Nuclear Energy Institute. The conference structure brings together stakeholders to identify and capitalize on emerging business prospects within the sector.

The opening session emphasized the current momentum in nuclear energy development, with participants examining how regulatory frameworks, government policy, and industry initiatives are creating pathways for growth. Supply chain professionals attending the conference are positioned to assess new vendor relationships, procurement strategies, and partnership opportunities as the sector expands.

The Dallas venue hosted discussions on how organizations can position themselves to benefit from increased nuclear capacity development and modernization efforts. The conference format combines plenary sessions with technical tracks and exhibition space, enabling attendees to engage with peers and explore solutions relevant to their operational needs.

For supply chain professionals, NECX 2026 represents a key opportunity to understand market trends, connect with established and emerging suppliers, and evaluate how their organizations can participate in the sector's growth trajectory. The conference agenda reflects the industry's focus on translating policy momentum into tangible project development and procurement activity.

  • NECX 2026 held its opening plenary in Dallas with government, regulatory, and industry leadership
  • The conference is cohosted by the American Nuclear Society and the Nuclear Energy Institute
  • Sessions addressed unprecedented opportunities emerging in the nuclear energy sector
  • The event provides supply chain professionals with networking and market intelligence opportunities