Orano
| Company type | Société anonyme |
|---|---|
| Industry | Nuclear fuel cycle |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Châtillon, Hauts-de-Seine , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Uranium extraction, conversion, enrichment, spent fuel recycling, nuclear logistics, decommissioning, nuclear cycle engineering |
| Owner | French state (majority) |
Orano SA is a French-based multinational enterprise specializing in the nuclear fuel cycle industry, with its headquarters located in Châtillon, Hauts-de-Seine. The company’s activities encompass uranium extraction, conversion, enrichment, recycling of spent nuclear fuel, nuclear logistics, decommissioning, and engineering related to the nuclear cycle. Founded in 2017 following the restructuring and financial recapitalization of Areva, Orano is predominantly owned by the French state. By 2021, it stood as the second-largest uranium producer worldwide, accounting for approximately 9% of global uranium output.
Etymology
The designation Orano is inspired by Ouranos, the Greek deity associated with the heavens, alluding to uranium. Its emblem—a circular yellow symbol—represents both yellowcake uranium concentrate and the broader nuclear fuel cycle.
History
The origins of Orano trace back to 1976 when it emerged from the production sector of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) under the name Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires (COGEMA, presently known as Orano Cycle). In 2001, COGEMA merged with entities including Framatome to establish Areva.
In response to financial difficulties faced in 2016, Areva underwent restructuring by forming a new fuel cycle company that combined Areva Mines, Areva NC, Areva Projects, and Business Support divisions. Initially a fully owned subsidiary, government recapitalization efforts reduced Areva’s stake. On 23 January 2018, this restructured entity was renamed Orano. Subsequently, in February 2018, Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries each acquired a 5% shareholding.
In September 2018, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission withdrew Orano’s license for the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility located in Idaho—a project that had been on hold since 2011. Simultaneously, Orano launched the Philippe Coste uranium conversion facility in France.
On March 12, 2025, Orano entered into an agreement with Navoiyuran, Uzbekistan’s uranium producer, aiming to broaden its resource portfolio.
Controversies
Despite international sanctions and widespread criticism following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Orano maintains operations within Russia, attracting negative attention for potentially bolstering the Russian economy indirectly.
The company has also encountered disputes concerning its uranium mining activities in Niger, notably regarding environmental damage and effects on local communities. Rising geopolitical tensions pose risks to Orano’s control over Nigerien uranium assets; reports suggest a possible transfer of one of its Niger mines to interests linked with Russia, intensifying concerns about its global operations.
Operations
Orano’s business spans uranium mining, conversion, enrichment processes, spent fuel recycling, nuclear logistics management, facility dismantling, and engineering services throughout the nuclear cycle. Its principal subsidiaries include Orano Cycle, COGEMA, Areva NC—covering all phases of the nuclear fuel cycle; Orano Mining—handling exploration, extraction, and processing; Orano Med—focused on cancer treatment development; Orano TN—specializing in nuclear material transportation; and Orano Projects—dedicated to fuel cycle engineering.
Mining
By the end of 2022, Orano ranked as the third largest uranium producer worldwide, holding an 11% share of the global market. The company runs uranium extraction operations in Canada, Kazakhstan, and Niger, where its exclusive rights have been extended through 2040. In Canada, Orano Canada has stakes in several key facilities including the McClean Lake uranium mill, Cigar Lake mine, McArthur River mine, and Key Lake mill. In Kazakhstan, it collaborates with Kazatomprom via the Katco joint venture. Within Niger, Orano operates two mines near Arlit and is advancing the Imouraren project located approximately 80 kilometers away. Additionally, the company owns the currently inactive Trekkopje mine and a desalination plant near Swakopmund in Namibia. In Gabon, Orano retains control over the former Mounana uranium mine site, which ceased operations in 1999.
Processing
Orano carries out conversion and enrichment activities at its facilities situated in Malvési and Tricastin, France.
Transportation and storage
The subsidiary Orano TN is responsible for managing the transport and storage of nuclear materials. In 2017, it introduced the NUHOMS Matrix system—an advanced dry cask storage solution designed to efficiently store multiple spent fuel assemblies with high density.
Recycling
Nuclear recycling operations are conducted by Orano at its La Hague and Melox plants located in France.
Engineering
Orano Projects provides engineering services related to the nuclear fuel cycle from its offices in Equeurdreville, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and Bagnols-sur-Cèze. Orano Temis focuses on mechanical engineering and fabricates specialized equipment for the nuclear industry while also catering to aerospace and defense sectors. The company has participated in feasibility assessments for external initiatives.
Nuclear medicine
Orano Med dedicates its efforts to nuclear medicine and cancer treatment development, maintaining laboratories in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France, as well as Plano, Texas, USA.