Niger Set to Launch Industrial Copper Mining in the North

Niger is gearing up to boost its mining sector with the launch of its first industrial copper extraction project in the north, as part of ongoing efforts to diversify its mineral production—an essential pillar of the national economy.

According to an official statement relayed by the Nigerien Press Agency (ANP), the Compagnie Minière de l’Air (Cominair) has been granted a permit for exploration and extraction at Tabelot and Dabaga in the Agadez region. The project is expected to yield an annual production of 2,700 tons of copper over a 10-year period, creating 300 direct jobs for Nigerien youth.

Beyond boosting the local economy, the mining royalties are projected to generate 4 billion CFA francs (€6 million) in revenue for the state. Geological studies have confirmed the presence of significant copper reserves within the authorized mining perimeter, positioning this initiative as a major step in Niger’s strategy to reduce its reliance on uranium extraction and expand investment in other mineral resources.

N.A