Turkey is set to begin its first gold extractions in Niger in the coming days, according to Alparslan Bayraktar, the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. This development is a result of a partnership between Eti Maden, a public mineral specialist, and MTA International, the international arm of the Turkish research organization MTA. The two entities have been exploring sites in Niger since 2020.
The Turkish presence in Niger dates back to 2020 when the then-Minister of Energy, Fatih Dönmez, signed a cooperation agreement with MTA International to explore sites in the south-west of the country, including Koulbaga-1, Koulbaga-2, and Dares Salam-2. This move was followed by a Nigerian delegation visiting Turkey in October 2024, resulting in a provisional pact to support Turkish companies in exploring the country.
The development comes as Niger has been taking steps to re-evaluate its mining sector. In 2023, the country withdrew permits from French and Canadian companies. In August 2025, the country's only industrial mine, Samira Hill, was nationalized, and over 1.7 tonnes of gold were declared in 2025. However, the country's gold production has been limited, with the government recently annulling the concessions of three gold companies in March 2026.
According to Minister Bayraktar, the gold production in Niger marks a significant milestone for Turkey, being its first gold production outside the country. MTA International will deploy custom-designed mobile crushing and screening facilities on the site, developed by the Turkish company MEKA. This development is expected to boost Turkey's presence in the African mining sector.
The partnership between Turkey and Niger is seen as a strategic move, especially given the current dynamics in the region. The Turkish government has been actively seeking to expand its economic influence in Africa, and the mining sector has been a key area of focus. The gold production in Niger is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Niger's mining sector has been facing challenges in recent years, with limited industrial production. The country's decision to partner with Turkey is seen as a move to diversify its mining sector and attract new investments. The Turkish investment is expected to bring in new technologies and expertise, which could potentially boost the country's gold production.
The start of gold production in Niger by Turkey marks a significant development in the country's mining sector. With the deployment of custom-designed facilities, the production is expected to commence soon. The partnership between Turkey and Niger is seen as a win-win situation for both countries, with Turkey expanding its presence in Africa and Niger attracting much-needed investment in its mining sector.
Key points
- Turkey to start gold production in Niger after six years of exploration
- The production is a result of a partnership between Eti Maden and MTA International
- The development marks Turkey's first gold production outside the country
