Niger’s military government has announced the nationalisation of the
country’s sole industrial gold mine, accusing its Australian operator of
serious breaches as the junta seeks greater control of natural resources.
The military junta has ruled the West African nation since seizing power in
a 2023 coup, promising to crack down on Niger’s myriad security issues.
Juntas in Niger, neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali have ramped up
pressure on foreign mining companies in recent years, with Niger
nationalising the local branch of French uranium giant Orano in June.
Australian group McKinel Resources Limited took control of the Societe
des mines du Liptako gold mine, situated on the bank of the River Niger, in
2019 after purchasing a majority stake from a public firm.
It criticised the Australian firm for failing to implement a 10 million dollar
investment plan which the junta said has led to tax and wage arrears,
worker layoffs and significant increased debt, as well as production
stoppages.
