Niger's military junta pulls plug on mining companies and UK oil firm

Gold Mining Concession Cancellations in Niger

Niger's government has announced the cancellation of concessions for three gold mining and processing companies: Comini, Afrior, and Ecomine. These concessions, granted between 2017 and 2020, were revoked due to the companies' failure to meet obligations, including tax payments, submission of annual technical and financial reports, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Niger currently operates one industrial gold mine, Samira, which was nationalized by the military junta last year.

The government has also denied a request from British firm Savannah Energy to extend its exploration and drilling license in the southeast region of Niger. The denial was based on the company's non-compliance with an output-sharing contract concerning four oil blocks in the Agadem Rift Basin, a key oil-producing area.

Niger, a producer of uranium, gold, and oil, has been governed by a military administration since a coup in 2023.

Based on reporting by Africanews.