Niger’s military government has taken control of the Société des Mines du Liptako (SML) gold mine, the country’s only industrial-scale gold operation, accusing its Australian operator of failing to meet investment and operational commitments.
The announcement was made on Saturday by General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of Niger’s ruling junta, during a televised statement.
According to Business Insider Africa, the government cited “serious breaches” and an “alarming economic situation” at the mine, which it deemed a highly strategic national asset.
The junta alleges that the operator, McKinel, did not deliver on a pledged $10 million investment plan, leading to tax arrears, unpaid wages, layoffs, mounting debt, and halted production.
Data from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative shows that SML produced 177 kilograms of gold in 2023, while artisanal miners across Niger extracted 2.2 tonnes.
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Security concerns have also plagued the mine. In May, at least eight workers were killed in a bomb attack in the jihadist-hit Tillaberi region, prompting the Nigerien army to deploy over 2,000 troops to secure the area.
The move mirrors a regional trend in West Africa, where military governments are tightening control over resource sectors.
Niger previously nationalised the local branch of French uranium producer Orano in June.
In Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, juntas have reviewed and renegotiated mining contracts to increase state participation — though these countries have generally stopped short of full asset seizures.
For Niger, however, the SML takeover signals a more aggressive resource policy.
Analysts say it reflects a shift toward outright state ownership in strategic sectors, as seen in other recent nationalisation moves by the Tiani-led government.
Image Credit: The Truth
