Key Points:
- Niger takes full control of the Samira Hill gold mine. The site is the nation’s only large-scale gold field.
- Officials accuse the last foreign owner of key rule breaks. They list missed funding, unpaid pay, and tax debts.
- President Abdourahamane Tiani signs a clear takeover order. He says the move shields a vital asset for citizens.
Niger has moved fast on a big decision. The transitional government now runs the Samira Hill Gold Mine. This site is the country’s only big gold mine. Leaders say the change puts the mine back in safe hands.
The mine sits under Société des Mines du Liptako, known as SML. An Australian firm, McKinel Resources Limited, bought control in 2019. Officials now point to long, serious rule breaks. They say the firm failed on cash, jobs, and tax.
Why Niger moves to take control
Leaders say McKinel made a clear cash pledge in 2019. The pledge set a $10 million site boost. They add that the firm never sent that cash. That miss hurt the plan to grow and keep the mine strong.
Workers also felt the strain on site each month. Reports say pay fell behind for long spells. Tax bills also piled up without clear settlement.
These gaps broke trust with staff and the state.
The mine also faced stops that dragged on. Teams had to pause work many times. Each stop cut output and raised risk at the pit. The state says that harm now ends with this takeover.
President Abdourahamane Tiani signed the order this week. He framed the move as a guard for public wealth. He also said the mine must serve Niger first. The plan aims to keep jobs and restore smooth work.
What changes at the Samira Hill site
Miners expect tighter checks and clear timelines. Pay and tax duties now sit under direct state view. Teams will push for steady runs and safe gear. The goal is calm work, clear books, and higher yield.
This step lands as West Africa shifts resource policy. Nigeria’s fuel market also sees sharp moves. See our report on the Dangote refinery naira sales shift. Region-wide, leaders cite a need to guard key assets.
Niger’s move signals a fresh, firmer line. The state treats the mine as a core public good. It vows to end waste, late pay, and idle pits. It also vows to keep all gains in the local loop.
Officials add that SML remains the site operator. However, state control now guides each key call. Teams must meet set rules and clear due dates. Misses will draw fast, firm steps from the state.
Markets will watch the next output report. Local groups will track pay fixes for staff. Policy fans will watch wider links to fuel news. Many eye the planned IPMAN pump price move across Nigeria.
For now, Niger sets a simple, bold course. It takes the mine, then sets strict house rules. It aims to grow gold yields for public good. It also seeks trust from workers and near towns.
