Niger Cancels Gold Mining Licences of Three Firms in Bid to Strengthen Control Over Natural Resources
Authorities announced that the licences issued between 2017 and 2020 to Comini, Afrior and Ecomine had been cancelled after the firms allegedly failed to meet key contractual obligations. According to government officials, the companies did not fully comply with requirements such as paying taxes, submitting annual technical and financial reports, and adhering to environmental regulations.
The move reflects a wider policy shift by Niger’s military leadership since it seized power following the 2023 Nigerien coup d’état. The junta has since intensified efforts to place greater oversight on the country’s strategic resources.
Officials argue that previous agreements allowed foreign companies to extract resources while providing limited economic benefits to local communities and the national treasury.
