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Orano
Orano SA is a French multinational nuclear fuel cycle corporation headquartered in Châtillon, Hauts-de-Seine. The company is engaged in uranium mining, conversion-enrichment, spent fuel recycling, nuclear logistics, dismantling, and nuclear cycle engineering activities. It was created in 2017 as a result of restructuring and recapitalizing of the nuclear conglomerate Areva. Orano is majority owned by the French state. As of September 2021[update], Orano is the second largest uranium producer in the world with 9% share in global uranium production.
The name Orano is derived from Ouranos, the Greek god, and it refers to uranium. The company's circular yellow logo refers to yellowcake uranium concentrate and to the nuclear fuel cycle.
Orano dates back to 1976 when based on the production division of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires (COGEMA, now Orano Cycle) was created. In 2001, COGEMA was merged with Framatome and CEA Industrie to form Areva.
In 2016, due to financial difficulties, Areva initiated a restructuring process. As part of this, it created a new fuel cycle company, dubbed as New Co or New Areva. The new company combined Areva Mines, Areva NC, Areva Projects, and Areva Business Support companies. It was created as a wholly owned subsidiary of Areva; however, Areva lost control over the company as the French government invested to recapitalize the company. On 23 January 2018 the company changed its name to Orano. In February 2018, Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries took 5% stakes in the company each.
In September 2018, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission terminated the license of Orano to construct the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility, which was to be built in Bonneville County, Idaho. The project had been suspended since December 2011. At the same time Orano opened the Philippe Coste uranium conversion plant in France.
On March 12, 2025, in Uzbekistan, Orano signed an agreement with the producer Navoiyuran.
Orano continues to conduct business in Russia despite international sanctions and widespread criticism following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The company has faced backlash for its decision to maintain its presence in the Russian market, as critics argue that such operations indirectly support the Russian economy.
Orano faced controversies related to its uranium mining operations in Niger, including environmental issues and the impact on local communities. Geopolitical tensions have also raised concerns about the security and control of uranium resources in the region. Reports have emerged indicating that Orano is at risk of losing its Niger uranium mine to interests associated with Russia, heightening worries about the company's operations and involvement in international affairs.
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Orano
Orano SA is a French multinational nuclear fuel cycle corporation headquartered in Châtillon, Hauts-de-Seine. The company is engaged in uranium mining, conversion-enrichment, spent fuel recycling, nuclear logistics, dismantling, and nuclear cycle engineering activities. It was created in 2017 as a result of restructuring and recapitalizing of the nuclear conglomerate Areva. Orano is majority owned by the French state. As of September 2021[update], Orano is the second largest uranium producer in the world with 9% share in global uranium production.
The name Orano is derived from Ouranos, the Greek god, and it refers to uranium. The company's circular yellow logo refers to yellowcake uranium concentrate and to the nuclear fuel cycle.
Orano dates back to 1976 when based on the production division of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires (COGEMA, now Orano Cycle) was created. In 2001, COGEMA was merged with Framatome and CEA Industrie to form Areva.
In 2016, due to financial difficulties, Areva initiated a restructuring process. As part of this, it created a new fuel cycle company, dubbed as New Co or New Areva. The new company combined Areva Mines, Areva NC, Areva Projects, and Areva Business Support companies. It was created as a wholly owned subsidiary of Areva; however, Areva lost control over the company as the French government invested to recapitalize the company. On 23 January 2018 the company changed its name to Orano. In February 2018, Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries took 5% stakes in the company each.
In September 2018, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission terminated the license of Orano to construct the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility, which was to be built in Bonneville County, Idaho. The project had been suspended since December 2011. At the same time Orano opened the Philippe Coste uranium conversion plant in France.
On March 12, 2025, in Uzbekistan, Orano signed an agreement with the producer Navoiyuran.
Orano continues to conduct business in Russia despite international sanctions and widespread criticism following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The company has faced backlash for its decision to maintain its presence in the Russian market, as critics argue that such operations indirectly support the Russian economy.
Orano faced controversies related to its uranium mining operations in Niger, including environmental issues and the impact on local communities. Geopolitical tensions have also raised concerns about the security and control of uranium resources in the region. Reports have emerged indicating that Orano is at risk of losing its Niger uranium mine to interests associated with Russia, heightening worries about the company's operations and involvement in international affairs.