By Ayomide Otitoju
Niger’s military government has seized control of the country’s only industrial gold mine, accusing Australian firm McKinel Resources Limited of “serious breaches” and mismanagement.
The junta, in power since a 2023 coup, announced the nationalisation of Société des Mines du Liptako (SML) on state television Friday, saying the move was aimed at “saving this highly strategic company” and ensuring Nigeriens fully benefit from natural resources.
McKinel acquired SML in 2019 after purchasing a majority stake from a public firm. The mine, located on the River Niger, produced 177 kilograms of gold in 2023, far below the 2.2 tonnes from artisanal mining nationwide.
Authorities accused the company of failing to deliver on a $10 million investment plan, leading to tax arrears, unpaid wages, layoffs, increased debt, and production stoppages. The site was also hit by a May bomb attack in jihadist-plagued Tillaberi that killed eight workers.
The move follows similar actions by juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso, and Niger’s June takeover of French uranium giant Orano’s local subsidiary.
