Keypoints:
- Niger cancels gold mining licences held by three companies
- Government cites breach of contract and regulatory violations
- Decision signals tighter oversight of the mining sector
NIGER’S government has revoked three gold mining licences held by companies operating in the country, accusing them of failing to meet contractual obligations and comply with mining regulations.
The decision, announced after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, terminates agreements with Compagnie des Mines du Niger (Comini), Afrior and Ecomine. Authorities said the cancellations took effect on March 3 after repeated warnings and formal notices issued to the companies.
The move highlights Niger’s increasingly assertive approach to regulating its extractive industries, as the military-led government seeks stricter compliance from mining investors and greater economic returns from the country’s natural resources. The decision follows a broader shift in Niger’s mining policy after authorities moved to strengthen national control over key mineral assets, including the revocation of uranium mining rights previously held by French company Orano.
Refinery projects in Niamey affected
According to an official government statement, Comini—also known as Niger Mining Company—signed an agreement with the state in June 2019 to construct and operate a gold refinery in the capital, Niamey.
Afrior had earlier secured permission in October 2017 to establish and run a gold refining facility, while Ecomine entered into a similar agreement in October 2020.
The projects were intended to strengthen Niger’s mineral processing capacity and support efforts to retain more value from gold production within the country.
However, officials said the companies failed to fulfil several obligations outlined in their agreements.
These included commitments to contribute to local development initiatives, prioritise employment opportunities for Nigerien citizens and comply with environmental protection laws.
The companies were also required to support promotion of Niger’s mining sector, pay all taxes owed and submit annual technical and financial reports to the Ministry of Mines.
Government says commitments not honoured
In its statement, the government said the companies had not upheld these commitments since 2023.
Authorities said formal notices were issued to the firms on February 17, 2025 and July 23, 2025, warning them to address the compliance failures.
Officials concluded that Ecomine’s conduct constituted a breach of contract serious enough to justify termination of its agreement.
The government also cited the rescission of mining permits granted to Comini and said Afrior had violated relevant provisions of Niger’s mining regulations.
‘Under these circumstances, the state has decided on the rescission of the agreements binding it to these three companies,’ the statement said.
Mining sector facing tighter scrutiny
The revocations come amid growing scrutiny of mining operations in Niger, a landlocked West African country with significant deposits of gold and uranium.
Authorities have increasingly emphasised the need for mining activities to generate tangible benefits for local communities and the national economy.
The government has also signalled a willingness to take decisive action against companies that fail to comply with contractual obligations or national mining laws.
Niger is also attempting to expand its broader mineral sector beyond uranium and gold through new projects aimed at developing copper and lithium resources.
Broader disputes in the sector
The decision follows other disputes involving foreign investors in Niger’s extractive industries.
Last year, French mining group Orano initiated international arbitration proceedings after Niger revoked one of its uranium mining licences. The dispute escalated further when authorities moved to reclaim control of the Imouraren uranium deposit—one of the world’s largest untapped uranium reserves.
Separate legal disputes over uranium stockpiles have also reached international courts, highlighting the geopolitical significance of Niger’s mineral.
Political context
Niger has been governed by a military administration since a coup in July 2023 removed democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum from power.
The takeover brought former presidential guard commander Abdourahmane Tchiani to the forefront of national politics. He was formally sworn in as president in 2025.
Since assuming power, the authorities have emphasised strengthening national control over strategic resources and ensuring that mining investments deliver greater economic value for the country.
Ecomine did not immediately respond to requests for comment when contacted regarding the licence revocation.
