French nuclear company Orano SA could lose the right to mine uranium at one of the world’s largest deposits by June 19 after Niger rejected its plan to develop the asset.

For now, Orano continues to operate Niger’s only major uranium mine, but its proposed plan to develop the Imouraren deposit “does not meet the authorities’ expectations,” the country’s government said.

“The second and final notification will expire on June 19, after which the company’s operating permit will be withdrawn,” the mining ministry said in a letter.

Imouraren is one of the world’s largest uranium deposits, with reserves estimated at 200,000 tons. Niger accounted for about 4 percent of global uranium production in 2022, according to the World Nuclear Association.

Last year, Niger expelled French troops and broke a decade-long security agreement with the U.S.

Niger now covers 15% of France’s uranium needs for nuclear power plants, which account for 65% of the country’s electricity production. According to Euratom’s supply agency, EU utilities depended on Niger, the world’s seventh-largest producer, for about 25% of their uranium supply in 2022.