Niger’s military government has announced the nationalisation of the country’s only industrial gold mine, accusing its Australian operator of “serious breaches” as the junta intensifies efforts to gain control over the nation’s natural resources.
Military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who took power after a military coup ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum in an overnight operation, announced the move on state television on Friday.
The junta said the mine has entered an “alarming economic situation.”
An official order from General Tiani said: “In view of serious breaches and with a view to saving this highly strategic company, the state of Niger has taken the decision to nationalise SML.”
The statement added, “This measure is in line with the vision of the president of the republic, which is to promote the full appropriation of its natural resources by the Nigerien people.”
The junta criticised McKinel for failing to deliver on a $10 million investment plan, which it said resulted in tax and wage arrears, layoffs, rising debt, and halted production.
According to a report by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, SML’s industrial gold production stood at 177 kilograms in 2023, while artisanal production across Niger reached 2.2 tonnes.
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