The Niger military regime announced, on Friday, August 9, the nationalization of the Liptako Mines Society (SML SA), its only gold mine, operated by the Australian group McKinel Resources Limited, on Friday, August 9, which the government said the government in a statement. The Nigerian Board in power for two years defends a particular sovereign policy in the management of its natural resources. In mid -June, he had announced the nationalization of the subsidiary of the French uranium giant, Orano.
“With regard to serious infractions (Y) with the aim of saving this highly strategic company, the state of Niger has made the decision of nationalizing SML SA,” specifies an order from the regime’s head, General Abdourahahamane Tiani, read on state television. “This measure is part of the line of the vision of the President of the Republic, to promote the complete appropriation of the Nigerian people of their natural resources,” is specified.
Of “serious deficiencies of the Australian group according to Niger
The Australian group had taken control of the SML SM in November 2019, after the Patrimoine of the Niger mines (Sopamin, Public) had granted 80% of its actions. The company has a gold operations permit in the Tillabéri (west) region. In 2023, the industrial gold production of the mine amounted to 177 kg, while the country’s artisanal production was 2.2 tons, according to a report of the transparency initiative in the extractive industries (EITI).
This vast area near Mali and Burkina Faso, has been the epicenter of the violence of jihadist groups in the country for years. “In six years, after this transfer of shares, there are serious deficiencies of the group”, and “an alarming economic situation” of the SML, says the government.
The authorities criticize the Australian group in particular for not having executed “an indicative investment plan of at least $ 10 million” that would be developed three months after the acquisition of the company. “Not to fulfill this commitment” had the “immediate consequences” an accumulation “of taxes of taxes and salaries, layoffs of agents and” significant aggravated debt “, continues the government that also points out” repetitive judgments “of production in 2024.
In mid -June, the Board had announced the nationalization of Somaïr, a subsidiary of the French giant of Orano Uranium, a symbol of tensions between Paris and Niamey from the coup d’etat. The Niamey regime has also ordered Chinese workers in the oil sector to leave the country, accusing the CNPCNP company that exploits the black gold of the “contempt” of current regulations.
Source: BFM TV
