Orano stakes a strategic claim in Botswana’s uranium boom

French nuclear powerhouse Orano, backed by the state, is making a bold move to reshape the global nuclear energy landscape by turning its attention to Botswana’s mineral-rich plains. This shift aims to protect Orano’s supply chain from the political unrest rocking West Africa while tapping into a global surge in nuclear energy demand that’s pushing uranium prices to heights not seen in a decade. For years, Orano, formerly known as Areva, leaned heavily on its Niger operations to fuel France’s vast nuclear fleet, which generates about 70% of the country’s electricity.

But the 2023 military coup in Niamey and the junta’s decision to revoke Orano’s mining license at the giant Imouraren site threw its supply into jeopardy. Long known for its diamonds, Botswana is quickly earning a reputation as a top destination for green minerals. It boasts a transparent mining code, a stable democracy, and borders Namibia, the world’s third-largest uranium producer.

Orano’s subsidiary, Compagnie Française de Mines et Métaux (CFMM), has secured exploration rights over roughly 15,000 square kilometers, focusing mainly on the Ghanzi district in the west and areas near the Letlhakane deposit. The timing couldn’t be better. With the European Union officially labeling nuclear power as a green transition fuel, demand for yellowcake is set to outstrip supply for years to come.

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Orano’s move into Botswana sends a clear message: the company is diversifying beyond traditional hotspots and aiming for top-tier mining regions. During a high-profile visit to Paris in April 2026, Botswana’s President Duma Boko met with Orano executives, highlighting strong support on both sides. For Botswana, this partnership is a major step forward in its “Value Addition” strategy.

The government hopes to go beyond simple extraction, eyeing opportunities in infrastructure development, specialized jobs, and maybe even a future role in regional nuclear energy. Exploration in the Ghanzi district is already underway, with teams conducting aerial surveys and ground sampling. While it will take years to turn discoveries into active mines, Orano’s commitment suggests they see world-class potential here.

The geology resembles that of the Central African Atlantic coast, known for some of the richest uranium deposits on Earth. As Western nations work to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel and secure their energy futures, Botswana is stepping into the spotlight of a new mineral “Great Game.” For Orano, the red sands of the Kalahari could hold the key to keeping Paris powered for decades to come.

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