The Tim Mersoï Basin uranium deposits (Northern Niger): Geochronology and genetic model

•U-Pb geochronology applied to uraninite from Tim Mersoi basin U deposits deposits record two main stages of uranium metallogenesis.•The primary U-ores are related to the Atlantic rifting during Lower Cretaceous.•Hot diagenetic/hydrothermal fluids moving along Arlit fault formed laterally U ores in aquifers under reducing conditions.•Uraninites and secondary U-minerals formed then during Cenozoic exhumation by reworking of former ores.•Arlit, Akouta and Imouraren deposits share the same metallogenic model and ages, at the exception of the enhanced supergene process at Imouraren during late Cenozoic oxidation.