Niger launches copper mine to spur its mineral ambitions

Niamey, Niger — Niger on Sunday announced the imminent start of copper mining in its desert north as the country seeks to diversify its exploitation of raw materials.

Niger, which is already a major producer of uranium, has granted a permit to national firm Compagnie Miniere de l’Air (Cominair SA) in the Agadez region, according to a council of Ministers statement seen by AFP.

“Niger is continuing its program of diversifying mining production” with a move that “marks its entry into the restricted circle of countries producing this strategic mineral,” said the military government, which took power after a July 2023 coup.

READ: Inflation forces Nigeriens to adapt what they eat

The government said research had indicated the mines could produce some 2,700 tonnes a year for a decade, creating some 300 direct jobs and providing millions of dollars in revenue to the state, with the soft metal currently trading at about $9,000 per tonne.

A small scale lithium production permit has meanwhile been accorded to Nigerien firm Compagnie Miniere de Recherche et d’Exploitation (Comirex SA) at Dannet, a rural area also in the Agadez region, the government said.

Production is estimated at 300 tonnes annually over five years.

The Nigerien state owns 25 percent and 40 percent, respectively, of Cominair and Comirex.

Since taking power, the military regime has sought to put mining under national control, withdrawing a lithium extraction permit for French group Orano, which had been present in the former French colony for 50 years.

Orano had been present at the sizable Imouraren deposit, whose reserves are estimated at 200,000 tonnes and the French company criticized “interference of the authorities” over their forced withdrawal.

Niger is also a producer of oil and gold.