Niger orders nationalization of key gold mining operation in sovereignty push
The government of Niger has taken decisive control of the nation’s mineral resources through a presidential decree nationalizing the “Société des Mines du Liptako (SML SA)”. General Abdourahamane Tiani’s administration terminated the Australian-owned Mckinel Resources Limited’s 80% stake in the gold mining company, marking the latest move in the Sahel nation’s resource sovereignty campaign.
The junta justified the takeover by citing six years of unfulfilled promises from the foreign operator.
Despite initial commitments to revitalize operations through substantial investments and social guarantees, authorities claim the mine now faces economic collapse due to the Australian firm’s contractual failures.
This mirrors recent resource disputes in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, where military-led governments have similarly scrapped mining agreements with Western companies.
The nationalization aligns with Niger’s strategic shift toward greater control over extractive industries.
Niger/Creation of a gold refinery: mining sovereignty a reality in the country
Officials announced plans to install new management focused on operational transparency and equitable profit distribution, while implementing safeguards against past governance failures.
This decision continues the trend of Sahel states rejecting what they characterize as exploitative foreign mining arrangements.
The move comes as Niger seeks to maximize benefits from its mineral wealth amid ongoing economic sanctions from ECOWAS following last year’s coup.
With gold prices near record highs, the government appears determined to redirect mining revenues toward national priorities rather than foreign shareholders.
Fayçal BADIE
