For years, Niger’s mining profile has been defined almost entirely by uranium. The association is not misplaced. The country holds some of the world’s most recognised uranium deposits, and for decades production from sites in the north formed the backbone of its export earnings.

But the picture is gradually broadening. Beneath Niger’s desert and sedimentary basins lies a far more diverse minerals base one that is beginning to attract renewed interest as global demand for critical and industrial minerals rises.

According to publicly available estimates from the World Nuclear Association, Niger’s identified uranium resources amount to roughly 454,000 tonnes U, including both reasonably assured and inferred categories. Long-established operations, such as those near Arlit, have shaped the sector’s history. Alongside them, newer projects like the Dasa Uranium development represent an effort to modernise production capacity with updated technologies and operating models.

This combination of legacy assets and emerging projects suggests that Niger’s uranium story is transitioning, not declining. As nuclear energy regains strategic relevance worldwide, Niger’s role as a supplier remains significant. Uranium, however, is far from the country’s only resource.

Niger’s geology hosts a range of minerals whose economic relevance is steadily rising. Both industrial and artisanal gold production take place, particularly in the southwest and in the Liptako area. Though smaller in scale, gold offers diversification from uranium and remains attractive in periods of global uncertainty.

Gypsum, limestone, salt and clay deposits serve the domestic construction and manufacturing industries. These resources underpin the cement sector and provide a foundation for local infrastructure development, an increasingly important economic stabiliser.

Historical surveys reference coal, phosphate, iron ore, tin, silver and additional industrial minerals. While many of these remain unexploited, they represent a latent option value should future technical studies or market conditions justify renewed activity. In combination, these resources point to a minerals base more varied than commonly appreciated.

Governance and regulatory clarity

Niger has taken steps over the years to strengthen its regulatory framework. Institutions such as SOPaMin and geological research bodies were established to structure state participation and improve oversight. The authorities have also signalled their intention to ensure that licences progress within defined timelines, an approach aimed at balancing investor interest with national development objectives.

Although implementation is gradual, these measures reflect an effort to provide a clearer investment environment and a more disciplined operating landscape.

Niger’s minerals sector is not without challenges, but it offers a distinctive combination of features for long-term investors:

• Uranium projects seeking to modernise operations
• Gold production with potential for scale
• Industrial minerals that support construction and regional supply chains
• Exploration prospects across multiple metals
• Partnership avenues aligned with domestic value-creation goals

As global supply chains look for new sources of nuclear fuel, construction materials and potentially critical minerals, Niger’s diversified geology offers optionality rather than dependence on a single commodity.

Infrastructure gaps, logistical constraints and the need for continued institutional strengthening are still factors shaping investor decisions. But the overall trajectory a more diversified resource base, gradually clearer regulations, and emerging new projects suggests a sector in transition rather than stasis.

Niger is unlikely to transform overnight. Yet its minerals portfolio is quietly expanding, and as the world seeks new supply routes and investment frontiers, this Sahelian nation is positioning itself as a more versatile participant in Africa’s mining landscape.