Niger’s military-led government has seized control of the country’s only industrial gold mine, accusing the Australian company managing it of failing to meet key obligations.
The junta, which has governed Niger since a 2023 coup, announced the nationalisation of Société des Mines du Liptako (SML) on Friday.
The mine, located near the River Niger, had been operated by McKinel Resources Limited since 2019 after the firm acquired a majority stake from a state-run entity.
Reading a presidential decree on state television, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani said the decision followed “serious breaches” by the Australian company, which had plunged the operation into financial distress.
“To safeguard this highly strategic company, the state of Niger has decided to nationalise SML,” the order stated, adding that the move aligned with President Tiani’s vision of ensuring full control of national resources by the Nigerien people.
Since taking office, Niger’s military rulers have pushed for greater sovereignty over natural assets, mirroring actions in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.
In June 2025, the junta also took over the local uranium operations of French company Orano.
A 2023 report by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative recorded 177 kilograms of gold from industrial production in Niger, with artisanal mining producing over 2.2 tonnes.
Officials say McKinel Resources failed to implement a promised $10 million investment plan, resulting in unpaid taxes, wage arrears, layoffs, growing debts, and disruptions in production.
The situation at the mine further deteriorated in May, when at least eight workers were killed in a bomb attack linked to jihadist insurgents in Tillaberi, the volatile western region where the mine is located.
The army has since deployed over 2,000 troops to combat extremists in the area.
