Niger has nationalised the Société des Mines du Liptako (SML), the country’s only industrial gold mine, accusing its operator of ‘serious breaches’ and mismanagement. An order by junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani was read on state television on Friday, August 9, 2025, framing the move as restoring full control of natural resources to Nigeriens.
What Niamey alleges
Authorities say Australian group McKinel Resources Limited took control of SML in 2019 after buying a majority stake from a public firm. Since then, officials allege the mine has slid into an ‘alarming economic situation’, blaming the operator for failing to deliver a $10 million investment plan, which they say led to tax and wage arrears, layoffs, mounting debt and production stoppages.
By the numbers
Industrial output at SML totalled just 177 kilogrammes in 2023, while artisanal production nationwide reached around 2.2 tonnes, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. SML, also known as Samira Hill, sits along the River Niger in Tillaberi.
Part of a wider Sahel reset
The takeover follows June’s decision to nationalise Somaïr, the flagship uranium venture previously operated with France’s Orano—moves that have deepened post-coup rifts with Paris. Orano has publicly opposed the uranium nationalisation and initiated legal action.
Security cloud over the gold belt
Operational risks remain high. In May, eight staff of privately owned Nguvu Mining—linked with Samira Hill—were killed near the site, Reuters reported via partner outlets, and in June the army said it raided jihadist-controlled informal mines in the west
About the operator
State media and wire reports identify McKinel Resources as the operator since 2019. Corporate materials state it acquired an 80 percent stake in Samira Hill in 2019. Africa Briefing has not independently reconciled these claims, but the nationalisation applies to SML as the licensed mine operator.
What to watch next
Nationalisation shifts immediate responsibility for stabilising operations, clearing arrears and securing the site to the state. Clear disclosure of production, payments and beneficial ownership—consistent with EITI standards—would help reassure workers, suppliers and communities as Niger pursues resource sovereignty.
Credit: Africabriefing
