Niger’s government cites broken promises as the basis for rescinding three mining concession contracts.
The government of Niger has announced the revocation of three gold mining and refining licences effective 3 March, citing breach of contract and a failure to honour commitments.
Comini, also known as Compagnie des Mines du Niger (Niger Mining Company) had previously entered into an agreement in June 2019 to build and operate a gold refinery in the capital city, Niamey. Ecomine also signed a similar contract with the country, albeit in October 2020, while Afrior’s contract dates back to October 2017, when it secured permission to construct and run a gold refining facility.
Niger’s council of ministers has now passed draft decrees, terminating its contracts with Comini, Afrior and Ecomine. A government of Niger press release stated the three companies had previously made commitments to contribute to local development, prioritise Niger’s citizens for employment opportunities, respect environmental protection laws, participate in mining sector promotion, pay all taxes due and submit technical and financial reports to the Ministry of Mines annually.
The press release continued [ALB’s translation]: “Since 2023, the commitments listed above have not been upheld by these companies. Accordingly, formal notices were sent to each of these three companies on 17 February 2025 and 23 July 2025.” The release went on to say that Ecomine’s conduct was “tantamount to a breach of contract justifying recission”, citing a “rescission of mining permits” for Comini, while Afrior had breached relevant mining regulations.
“Under these circumstances […] the state has decided on the rescission of the […] agreements binding it to these three companies,” it concluded.
A large, landlocked West African state, Niger is currently ruled by a government that came to power following a coup d’état in 2023 which deposed democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum in favour of the former chief of the country’s presidential guard, Abdourahmane Tchiani, who was sworn in as president formally in 2025.
Ecomine was contacted by ALB for a statement, but had not responded at the time of publication.
In March last year, French mining sector player Orano launched an investment arbitration claim, following Niger’s revocation of a uranium mining licence.