Niger Raises Madaouela Uranium Stake to 40%, Settling Dispute With Atomic Eagle

Niger has increased its holding in the Madaouela uranium project to 40% from 20%, the country's mining ministry said, resolving a dispute with Australian explorer Atomic Eagle over the asset in the Agadez region.

Under the new agreement signed with the mines ministry, Atomic Eagle will retain 60% of the project, down from its previous 80% interest, while continuing to oversee operations.

The company, formerly known as GoviEx, was awarded the permit to exploit uranium at Madaouela in 2016. In 2024, Niger revoked the permit and returned the asset to the state, prompting Atomic Eagle to file for international arbitration.

The two sides agreed in February 2025 to suspend the proceedings in favour of a negotiated settlement, and in September 2025 extended that pause by six months to allow the talks to continue.

"Niger has prioritized dialogue and negotiation to usher in a new phase based on partnership and development," the mines ministry said in a statement, without giving further details of the terms.

Atomic Eagle did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Niger is a major uranium producer, and the agreement comes as military-led governments across the Sahel seek greater control over their natural resources in an effort to raise revenue.