The mineral mining industry is a key part of the economy of Niger. Minerals account for 40% of the country's exports.
Niger is set to become a copper producer after awarding a permit to Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr (COMINAIR SA), in which the state holds a 25% stake, to exploit copper in the Agadez region, as announced by the Council of Ministers in a press release.
This decision follows the discovery of a significant copper deposit in the area.
It is estimated that the site will produce an average of 2,700 tonnes of copper per year over a period of 10 years.
The project should also create 300 direct jobs for young Nigerians.
Over the first 10 years, the royalty should exceed approximately $6.4 million, in addition to a surface royalty of $922,418.
The company will have to give priority to local companies in the supply of goods and services related to the exploitation of the deposit.
With the start of copper mining, Niger is continuing its program of diversification of mining production, the Nigerien government stated.
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