Business · Energy & Commodities · 9 hrs ago
Morocco explores supplying uranium concentrate to France
Morocco’s state-owned OCP is discussing uranium supply with France’s EDF and Orano.
The talks concern producing and supplying uranium concentrate, which can be used to make nuclear fuel.
Morocco has large phosphate reserves, and the country is exploring whether they could help it become a uranium supplier.
The discussions began after French President Emmanuel Macron visited Morocco in October 2024, following a long diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
No agreement has been announced, and EDF declined to comment while Orano said it is seeking to diversify its supply sources.
A possible deal could be formalised in a memorandum of understanding during a planned state visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, which France hopes will take place in January 2027.
Moroccan state-owned OCP is discussing uranium concentrate production and supply with French companies EDF and Orano.
The talks could lead to an agreement for supplying uranium concentrate to France.
Morocco is considering the prospect because it has substantial phosphate reserves.
The discussions began shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024.
A potential agreement could be formalised during a planned visit by King Mohammed VI to Paris, which France hopes will take place in January 2027.
- Who
- Morocco’s OCP, and French companies EDF and Orano.
- What
- They are discussing a possible agreement on producing and supplying uranium concentrate.
- When
- Talks began shortly after October 2024. An agreement could be formalised during a planned visit in January 2027.
- Where
- The discussions concern supply from Morocco to France.
- Why
- Morocco has substantial phosphate reserves, and Orano says it is diversifying its supply sources.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Discussions between OCP, EDF and Orano began shortly after Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat.
France hopes King Mohammed VI will make a state visit to Paris, when a potential agreement could be formalised.
- Moroccan company
- OCP, owned by the Moroccan state
- French companies
- EDF and Orano
- Talks began
- Shortly after October 2024
- Potential formalisation
- King Mohammed VI’s planned Paris visit, hoped for in January 2027
What people are saying
engaged in a strategy of diversifying its sources of supply