The government of Niger has decided to terminate agreements for the establishment of three gold processing plants due to companies' failure to fulfill their commitments. This was announced in a communiqué following the Council of Ministers meeting on March 3, published by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
Under the agreements for the construction of gold processing plants, concluded in 2019 between the government and Niger Mining Company (COMINI SARL), AFRIOR SA, and ECOMINE SA, the companies assumed a number of obligations regarding priority employment of Nigerien workers, contribution to local infrastructure development, compliance with environmental standards, and legal regulations.
"Since 2023, the aforementioned obligations have not been fulfilled by these companies. ... In these circumstances and in accordance with the relevant provisions [of the legislation] and the present agreements, the state has decided to terminate the enterprise establishment agreements binding it to these three companies," the document stated.
It was noted that Nigerien authorities had twice sent notifications to the companies since February of last year regarding the need to comply with the agreement terms. These notifications were ignored, leading the government to decide on termination of the agreements.
In November of last year, Nigerien leader Abdourahamane Tchiani stated that the country would independently manage its natural resources and bring products to the international market.
In August 2025, the Niger government announced the nationalization of the Societe des mines du Liptako (SML) gold mine, which was owned by Australian company McKinel Resources Limited.
