Niger nationalises SML gold mine after the military junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, announced the takeover on state television. Tiani, who seized power in a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, said the mine faced a severe economic crisis. Therefore, the state decided to act immediately to protect this strategic asset.
In an official order, Tiani cited serious breaches by the operator, McKinel, and argued that nationalisation was necessary to save the company. Moreover, he stressed that the move aligned with his vision for Niger to control its natural resources for the people’s benefit. The junta accused McKinel of failing to deliver on a $10 million investment plan. As a result, the mine suffered tax arrears, unpaid wages, layoffs, rising debt, and a halt in production.
According to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, SML produced 177 kilograms of gold in 2023. In comparison, artisanal miners across Niger produced 2.2 tonnes. Because of this gap, the government said the takeover followed a regional trend where military juntas expand state control over mining.
Security concerns in the Tillaberi region added urgency to the move. In May, a bomb killed at least eight workers at the mine, which lies in an area plagued by jihadist activity. As a result, the army deployed more than 2,000 soldiers to protect the site. Officials said this danger reinforced the need for stronger state management of SML.
Niger’s approach is more aggressive than that of its neighbours. For instance, in June, it nationalised the local branch of French uranium producer Orano. Meanwhile, Mali’s military rulers pressed companies like IAMGOLD and Randgold Resources to boost local ownership. Similarly, Guinea’s junta targeted bauxite operators such as Société Minière de Boké for greater national benefits. In addition, Burkina Faso pushed firms like Endeavour Mining to invest more in the economy.
While Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have preferred renegotiating contracts, Niger has sometimes seized assets outright. This, the junta argues, ensures resource wealth benefits the Nigerien people. Nevertheless, some analysts warn that such actions could deter foreign investment and disrupt mining operations.
The SML takeover marks a clear shift in Niger’s resource policy. Ultimately, it shows General Tiani’s determination to keep strategic assets under national control and signals stricter oversight for future mining ventures.
