Orano
French multinational nuclear-fuel-cycle group active in uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, recycling, logistics, engineering, dismantling, and nuclear medicine.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Orano is a French nuclear-industry group focused on the front and back ends of the nuclear fuel cycle. Its activities span uranium exploration, mining and processing; uranium conversion and enrichment; fuel-cycle engineering; transport and storage of nuclear materials; spent-fuel recycling; decommissioning and dismantling; and selected nuclear-medicine applications. The company is headquartered in Châtillon, near Paris, and is majority owned by the French state. The group’s institutional history reaches back to 1976, when the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission created the Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires, commonly known as COGEMA, from its production activities. COGEMA became a central French operator in uranium, fuel fabrication, reprocessing, and other nuclear-material activities. In 2001, COGEMA was combined with Framatome and CEA Industrie to create Areva, a larger integrated nuclear conglomerate. Areva subsequently encountered severe financial and operational difficulties, particularly in connection with large nuclear construction projects and the broader downturn in parts of the nuclear market. Beginning in 2016, the French government and Areva initiated a restructuring and recapitalization program. The reorganization separated the fuel-cycle, mining, and related service businesses into a new company, initially referred to as New Co or New Areva. The new structure brought together businesses including Areva Mines, Areva NC, Areva Projects, and supporting functions. On 23 January 2018, the company adopted the Orano name. Japan Nuclear Fuel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries each acquired minority stakes of 5% in February 2018, while the French state became the controlling shareholder through the recapitalization process. Orano’s business is strategically important because it operates across several stages required to produce, use, manage, and ultimately recycle nuclear fuel. Orano Mining has interests in uranium operations in Canada and Kazakhstan and has historically operated or developed assets in Niger, Namibia, and Gabon. In Canada, its interests include the McClean Lake milling operation, the Cigar Lake and McArthur River mines, and the Key Lake mill. In Kazakhstan, the Katco joint venture with Kazatomprom is a major uranium-production activity. Niger has been a particularly significant and contentious operating environment, with the Somair mine, the closed Cominak operation, and the proposed Imouraren project near Arlit. In France, Orano performs uranium conversion and enrichment activities at the Malvési and Tricastin sites. The company also operates the La Hague spent-fuel recycling complex and the Melox mixed-oxide fuel plant. Through Orano TN, it provides specialized transport and storage systems for radioactive materials and spent fuel. Orano Projects supplies engineering and project-management services for nuclear fuel-cycle facilities, while Orano Temis manufactures specialized mechanical equipment for nuclear, aerospace, and defense customers. Orano Med develops targeted radioligand and other nuclear-medicine therapies for cancer. The company has continued to invest in domestic enrichment capacity and other parts of the fuel cycle. In 2023, its board approved a 30% expansion of the Georges-Besse II enrichment facility, intended to add approximately 2.5 million separative work units per year by 2028. Orano has also pursued international uranium partnerships and market development, including agreements involving Mongolia and Uzbekistan in 2025. Its strategic position has gained additional attention as governments seek to diversify nuclear-fuel supplies and reduce dependence on concentrated or geopolitically exposed sources. Orano nevertheless faces substantial political, regulatory, environmental, and commercial risks. Its continued business relationships in Russia have attracted criticism following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its Niger operations have been disrupted by the country’s military government, which challenged Orano’s rights and control over uranium assets, including the Imouraren project and the Somair mine. These disputes have threatened production, exports, employment, and the economic position of communities around Arlit. Orano therefore combines the profile of an industrial energy company with that of a strategically sensitive state-backed enterprise operating in a highly regulated and politically contested sector.
History
Orano’s institutional roots lie in France’s postwar state nuclear program. In 1976, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission created the Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires, or COGEMA, from its nuclear-material production activities. COGEMA developed capabilities covering uranium mining, conversion, fuel services, radioactive-material management, and spent-fuel reprocessing. It became one of the central commercial vehicles for France’s civil nuclear fuel-cycle expertise. In 2001, COGEMA was merged with Framatome and CEA Industrie to form Areva. The new group was intended to provide an integrated industrial platform for nuclear power, including reactor construction, fuel, services, and recycling. Areva expanded internationally and became a major participant in the global nuclear industry. Its fuel-cycle activities continued through businesses later associated with Areva NC, while mining, engineering, and project activities were organized across other parts of the group. Areva’s financial position deteriorated during the 2010s. The group faced major difficulties associated with the cost and execution of nuclear construction projects, while the nuclear market was affected by changing regulatory expectations and the aftermath of the Fukushima accident. In 2016, France began a restructuring and recapitalization process. The plan separated the fuel-cycle and mining businesses from the troubled reactor-construction activities and created a new company initially called New Co or New Areva. New Areva combined Areva Mines, Areva NC, Areva Projects, and related support functions. Although it was initially established as a wholly owned Areva subsidiary, the French state’s recapitalization altered ownership and control. Japan Nuclear Fuel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries later became minority shareholders, each holding 5%. On 23 January 2018, the company adopted the name Orano. The name alludes to Ouranos, the Greek deity associated with the sky, and to uranium; the company’s circular yellow branding references yellowcake and the nuclear fuel cycle. Following the reorganization, Orano concentrated on activities that occur before and after reactor operation. Orano Mining manages uranium exploration, extraction, and processing. Its international portfolio includes uranium operations and interests in Canada and Kazakhstan, as well as assets and historical operations in Niger, Namibia, and Gabon. The Canadian portfolio includes interests linked to the McClean Lake mill, Cigar Lake, McArthur River, and Key Lake. In Kazakhstan, the Katco joint venture with Kazatomprom is an important production platform. Niger was historically another major area, with the Somair mine, the former Cominak mine, and the proposed Imouraren development near Arlit. Orano’s French industrial base includes uranium conversion at Malvési and conversion and enrichment activities at Tricastin. The group operates the La Hague reprocessing complex and the Melox mixed-oxide fuel facility, giving it a prominent role in spent-fuel recycling. Orano TN supplies transport and storage solutions for nuclear materials, while Orano Projects provides engineering and project services for fuel-cycle facilities. Orano Temis manufactures specialized mechanical equipment for nuclear and non-nuclear customers. Orano Med extends the group into nuclear medicine, developing radiological therapies intended to treat cancer. The company has continued to adjust its capacity to changing fuel-market conditions. In 2023, Orano approved a 30% expansion of the Georges-Besse II enrichment facility, with a planned addition of approximately 2.5 million separative work units per year by 2028. Internationally, Orano pursued new uranium partnerships, including agreements with Mongolia in 2025 concerning Zuuvch-Ovoo and with Uzbekistan’s Navoiyuran. Niger became a major source of operational and geopolitical uncertainty. Relations deteriorated after the 2023 military coup, and the authorities challenged Orano’s position in the country. In 2024, Niger cancelled Orano’s rights to develop Imouraren, while the Somair operation faced export restrictions, operational disruption, and financial stress. Orano initiated international legal proceedings, and an ICSID order addressed the handling of uranium produced before the suspension. The dispute affected workers and communities around Arlit and highlighted the political sensitivity of uranium resources in the Sahel. Orano has also faced criticism for maintaining business activity connected with Russia despite sanctions and public pressure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. More broadly, its history reflects the strategic character of the nuclear-fuel industry: the group is simultaneously an industrial operator, a supplier of critical materials, a state-backed national champion, and a participant in legally and politically sensitive international markets.
- 2025
Mongolian uranium agreement is signed
[1]Orano signs an agreement with Mongolia concerning the Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium deposit.
- 2025
Uzbekistan cooperation agreement is signed
[1]Orano signs an agreement with Uzbekistan’s uranium producer Navoiyuran.
- 2024
Niger disputes Orano’s uranium interests
[1]Niger cancels Orano’s Imouraren development rights and takes measures affecting the Somair operation, leading to legal proceedings and export disruption.
- 2023
Georges-Besse II expansion is approved
[1]Orano approves a 30% expansion of the French enrichment facility, planned to add 2.5 million separative work units annually by 2028.
- 2018
The Orano brand is launched
[1]The company changes its name to Orano in January; Japan Nuclear Fuel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries each acquire a 5% minority stake later that year.
- 2018
Philippe Coste conversion plant opens
[1]Orano opens the Philippe Coste uranium conversion plant in France.
- 2017
Orano predecessor company is established
[1]The new fuel-cycle company is created during the reorganization of Areva and is initially known as New Co or New Areva.
- 2016
Fuel-cycle restructuring begins
[1]Areva begins a restructuring and recapitalization program that separates its mining and fuel-cycle activities into a new company.
- 2001
Areva is formed
[1]COGEMA is combined with Framatome and CEA Industrie to create the integrated nuclear group Areva.
- 1976
COGEMA is created
[1]France’s Atomic Energy Commission creates the Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires from its nuclear-material production activities.
Products and positioning
A state-backed, vertically integrated specialist in the civil nuclear fuel cycle, positioned around supply security, industrial expertise, recycling, radioactive-material management, and long-term nuclear infrastructure services.
Mining
Uranium mining and processing
Orano Mining explores for uranium, develops deposits, extracts ore, and processes it into uranium concentrate. Its portfolio includes operations and interests in Canada and Kazakhstan, as well as historical or disputed assets in Niger, Namibia, and Gabon. Canadian activities are associated with major mines and mills including Cigar Lake, McArthur River, McClean Lake, and Key Lake. The Katco joint venture with Kazatomprom is a principal Central Asian activity.
Nuclear fuel cycle · 2018
Uranium conversion
Orano converts uranium concentrates into chemical forms suitable for subsequent enrichment and fuel-cycle processing. Its French conversion activities are centered on the Malvési and Tricastin sites. The Philippe Coste plant is part of the company’s modernized conversion infrastructure and supports the continuity of European nuclear-fuel supply.
Nuclear fuel cycle
Georges-Besse II enrichment
Georges-Besse II is Orano’s uranium-enrichment facility in France. It uses centrifuge technology to increase the concentration of uranium-235 for nuclear-fuel production. In 2023, Orano approved a planned 30% capacity expansion, intended to add approximately 2.5 million separative work units per year by 2028 and strengthen European enrichment supply.
Spent-fuel recycling
La Hague recycling
The La Hague complex in France processes spent nuclear fuel and separates reusable uranium and plutonium from other materials. The facility is a core part of Orano’s back-end business and supports France’s policy of recycling selected nuclear materials rather than treating all spent fuel as final waste. Its activities are closely regulated because they involve radioactive materials and long-term waste management.
Nuclear fuel
Melox mixed-oxide fuel
Melox manufactures mixed-oxide fuel using uranium and plutonium-bearing materials recovered through the recycling process. The facility forms part of Orano’s integrated recycling proposition and links reprocessing with the production of fuel for qualified nuclear reactors. Its output and operating conditions depend on national policy, regulatory approvals, and customer reactor requirements.
Nuclear logistics and storage · 2017
NUHOMS Matrix storage system
NUHOMS Matrix is an advanced overpack and storage concept for used nuclear fuel. The system is designed to accommodate multiple spent-fuel canisters within a high-density storage arrangement. It illustrates Orano TN’s role in specialized packaging, transport, and interim storage solutions for nuclear materials and spent fuel.
Engineering services
Nuclear fuel-cycle engineering
Orano Projects provides engineering, project development, feasibility, and execution services for nuclear fuel-cycle facilities. Its French engineering locations include Equeurdreville, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and Bagnols-sur-Cèze. Orano Temis complements this work by designing and manufacturing specialized mechanical equipment, including equipment for nuclear, aerospace, and defense customers.
Nuclear medicine
Orano Med nuclear medicine
Orano Med develops nuclear-medicine products and targeted therapies intended to treat cancer. Its work uses radioactive isotopes and drug-delivery approaches to direct radiation toward malignant cells. The subsidiary has laboratory activities in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France, and Plano, Texas, extending Orano’s technology portfolio beyond industrial fuel-cycle services.
Controversies
2024
Niger uranium and Somair dispute
Orano’s relationship with Niger’s military government deteriorated over control, exports, and development rights in the country’s uranium sector. Niger cancelled Orano’s rights to the Imouraren project, while the Somair operation faced operational restrictions, blocked exports, financial pressure, and threats to employment in the Arlit region. Orano pursued international legal remedies, and an ICSID order addressed the handling of uranium produced before the suspension.
2024
Environmental and community concerns in Niger
Orano’s uranium-mining activities in Niger have been associated with recurring concerns about environmental effects, local-community impacts, resource control, and the economic dependence of desert communities on mining. The political crisis intensified scrutiny of these issues.
2022
Criticism over continued Russia-related business
Orano has faced criticism for continuing to conduct business in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue that maintaining commercial ties can indirectly support the Russian economy, while the company’s position reflects the complexity of nuclear-fuel supply chains and sanctions policy.
Brand decisions
2025
Develop uranium partnerships in Mongolia and UzbekistanM&ABackground
Orano sought to broaden and diversify its uranium resource base and international relationships.
Action taken
The company signed an agreement with Mongolia concerning Zuuvch-Ovoo and another agreement with Uzbekistan’s producer Navoiyuran.
Aftermath
The agreements expanded Orano’s cooperation in Central Asia and Mongolia, although their long-term commercial outcomes depend on development, regulatory, and political conditions.
2023
Expand Georges-Besse II enrichment capacityStrategyBackground
Changing geopolitical conditions and renewed attention to secure nuclear-fuel supply increased the strategic importance of enrichment capacity.
Action taken
Orano’s board approved a 30% expansion of the Georges-Besse II facility, planned to add about 2.5 million separative work units per year by 2028.
Aftermath
The decision positioned Orano to increase European enrichment capacity, subject to construction, regulatory, and execution requirements.
Estimated project cost. €1.7 billion estimated cost (Planned expansion approved in 2023; target completion by 2028)
2018
Rebrand New Areva as OranoStrategyBackground
The post-Areva restructuring required a distinct corporate identity for the reorganized fuel-cycle company.
Action taken
The company adopted the Orano name in January 2018 and developed branding associated with uranium and the nuclear fuel cycle.
Aftermath
Orano became the public-facing identity for the group’s mining, conversion, enrichment, recycling, logistics, engineering, and nuclear-medicine activities.
2016
Separate fuel-cycle activities from Areva’s wider businessStrategyBackground
Areva’s financial and operational difficulties prompted the French government to redesign the group and recapitalize selected activities.
Action taken
A new company was formed around mining, fuel-cycle, engineering, and related support businesses, eventually becoming Orano.
Aftermath
The restructuring created a more focused nuclear-fuel-cycle group under majority French state ownership and separated it from much of Areva’s reactor-construction business.
Recent events
Reported
Orano completes acquisition of Daher nuclear activities in Germany and the United States[3]
Orano confirmed that its subsidiary Orano NPS completed the acquisition of Daher Nuclear Technologies GmbH and its United States subsidiary TLI Inc. after regulatory authorities issued favorable opinions.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Terrestrial Energy and Orano agree on IMSR fuel supply services[4]
Terrestrial Energy and Orano entered a non-exclusive agreement covering services for IMSR fuel, including enrichment, production, transportation, packaging and logistics. The scope includes analysis for full-scale commercial production and supply.
IBM announces NewCo CEO appointment[5]
IBM announced that Martin Schroeter would become chief executive officer of NewCo, effective January 15.
Sources5 sources
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