Niger Triples Mining Revenue After Exit of French Industrial Giants

 

NIAMEY, Niger— Niger’s mining revenue rose to 18.2 billion CFA francs, about $32.6 million, in 2025, up from 6.2 billion CFA francs in 2024, the Ministry of Mines announced.

Mines Minister Commissioner-Colonel Abarchi Ousmane said the increase followed policy changes that shifted management of key mineral assets and opened the sector to new operators.

Officials said the growth came after the nationalization of Somaïr, the country’s only operating uranium mine, previously managed by France’s Orano. Authorities also revoked several mining concessions held by foreign firms and issued new permits to state-run companies and other international partners.

In April 2025, the government broke ground on Niger’s first national gold refinery, marking a move toward domestic processing and value addition.

“Niger’s subsoil is a geological marvel,” Ousmane said during a broadcast on state television RTN. “We have moved to ensure our resources serve the Nigerien people first.”

The ministry said investment in mineral exploration reached 14 billion CFA francs in 2025, compared with 2.6 billion CFA francs in 2024. Officials added that the government is expanding focus beyond uranium to include industrial-scale gold production and the development of copper reserves.

France has said it is seeking alternative uranium supplies elsewhere to secure its nuclear fuel chain.

Officials said the revenue increase reflects the government’s aim to exercise greater control over natural resources and increase fiscal returns from the mining sector.

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