COUNTRY IN FOCUS •
While there have been improvements in mobile phone coverage , internet access remains limited – in rural areas in particular , further hindering communication and economic development .
Apart from mining , the economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and livestock , making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices . At the same time , Niger is highly susceptible to climate change , which can impact agricultural production and food security .
Geology and mining Precambrian rocks underlie large parts of Niger , but Cenozoic continental weathering products and sand dunes of the Sahara Desert conceal most of these outcrops . Paleoproterozoic rocks are exposed west of Niamey , forming a continuation of Birrimian rocks from Burkina Faso and in the Aïr Massif in the north of the country . Neoproterozoic rocks outcrop along the border with Benin and Burkina Faso , in a continuation of the Volta Basin . Paleozoic sediments occupy parts of northeastern Niger and the Agadez Basin west of the Aïr Massif . Cretaceous marine and epicontinental sediments of the Iullemiden Basin occur in central Niger . Volcanic activity , with associated lava , tuff and ash deposition is emplaced over irregular periods .
The mining sector is a crucial component of Niger ' s economy , accounting for a significant portion of its exports . The country possesses significant reserves of uranium , used in nuclear power generation and Molybdenum is produced as a by-product from the uranium mining .
Niger was one of the world ' s largest producers of uranium , and its mines are a major source of revenue for the government . This however changed overnight when the new military junta government , following a coup in July 2023 , suspended mining operations of international companies operating in Niger . Orano lost its license for the Imouraren uranium mine and GoviEx Uranium had its mining permit for the Madaouela uranium project revoked . This resulted in a sudden global shortage of uranium ore , a peak in uranium prices and a flurry of activity in the uranium sector . As a result of the Niger situation , other uranium-producing countries have become more attractive to investors and buyers . This has led to increased exploration and development activities in countries like Kazakhstan , Australia , and Canada .
Gold mineralisation is found in several parts of Niger , especially in the Liptako , Aïr and South Maradi regions . The gold is found in quartz veins in association with sub-vertical shear zones . Deep weathering during Quaternary wet periods has led to laterisation which has resulted in liberating the gold from its original refractory occurrence in the host rock . Gold is mainly recovered by artisanal miners .
Silver mineralisation has been identified in the Liptako , Damagaram-Mounio and Air regions and is found in quartz veins along the contact between greenstone and granitic intrusions . Ophiolites associated with the Abuzegueur overthrust in the Aïr region have good potential for platinum mineralisation as well as cobalt , chromite and nickel . These deposits have however not been sufficiently explored to delineate the deposit potential for reasonable expectation to be developed .
Iron ore occurrences in the Cenozoic deposits are the most important , found in the Ader-Doutchi and Termit-Agadem regions , and especially in Liptako . The grade of iron varies from 34.7 – 55.4 %.
Tin from the Aïr Massif was commercially produced between 1984 and 1991 . Currently , these deposits are limited to extraction by artisanal mining operations . Three types of tin deposits are developed – pegmatite hosted veins , stockworks in greisenised granites and secondary deposits , i . e . alluvial , eluvial and colluvial minor deposits .
The most important coal deposit is located at Anou-Araren , where coal is deposited in a small basin . The coal reserves are estimated to be about 10Mt with high ash and low calorific value , but is suitable for on-site thermal power generation , previously used to supply electricity to the uranium mines .
Phosphate occurrences have also been identified , but with no notable development to mine it . The Tapoa deposit is hosted by Volta Group sediments and contains proven resources of 207mt at a grade of 23 % P 2
O 5
. The Tahoua deposit consists of nodular apatite , with indicated reserves of about 7.4mt at a grade of about 30 % P 2
O 5
.
The country also has a rich paleontological wealth of Cretaceous fossils and early human settlements that carved large petroglyphs , with the two giant giraffe petroglyphs in central Niger having been declared a UNESCO heritage site .
Niger is a country with a complex geography , political environment and mining sector . Its vast desert landscapes , political instability , and economic challenges present significant obstacles to development . However , the country also has ripe opportunities , particularly in the mining sector , that could lead to a brighter future . •
Niger was one of the world ' s largest producers of uranium , and its mines are a major source of revenue for the government . www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2025 • 17