Niger has revoked the mining licenses of Ecomine, Afrior and Comini, citing their failure to comply with key contractual obligations, including tax payments, reporting requirements and environmental regulations.

The move is part of a broader efforts by the government, led by President General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to tighten control over the country’s natural resources, boost the nation’s revenue and strengthen Niger’s economic sovereignty.

Niger’s government, led by President General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has revoked the gold mining concessions of three foreign multinational companies, Ecomine, Afrior and Comini, as part of efforts to take greater control of the country’s natural resources.

In a press statement, the Niger military government said mining permits granted between the years 2017 and 2020 to Ecomine, Afrior and Comini, have been revoked for failing to meet contract obligations, including paying taxes, submitting annual financial and technical reports, and complying with environmental regulations.

Niger, Africa’s top uranium producer, has also accused French multinational mining company, Orano, of causing an “ecological disaster” by illegally storing 400 barrels of radioactive uranium material at the Arlit mining site, and endangering local communities and the environment.

The accusation follows a 2025 report by the Commission for Inspection Research and Information on Radioactivity (CRIIRAD), which found decades of uranium extraction by Orano subsidiaries, which left tonnes of radioactive waste exposed to local communities, including contaminating soil, groundwater and drinking water sources in Arlit, and surrounding towns of Akokan.

Since the overthrow of the French-backing government of Mohamed Bazoum, President General Abdourahamane Tchiani has moved to tighten state control over key mining sectors and initiated a review of mining contracts previously awarded to foreign multinational companies.

By canceling mining concessions and tightening control over Niger’s natural resources, President General Abdourahamane Tchiani government ensures Niger’s mineral wealth contributes directly to the nation’s revenue and economic sovereignty.

Niger’s natural wealth and resources belongs to the people of Niger.