Nigerien President General Abdourahamane Tiani has signed a decree temporarily suspending the export of precious stones, semi-precious stones, and meteorites throughout the country.
The decision comes as the government investigates the controversial sale of a Martian meteorite to the United States.
The measure is designed to protect Niger’s mineral wealth, encourage local processing, and ensure better traceability of the country’s natural resources.
This action follows the initiation of an investigation in July, ordered by the Council of Ministers, into the auction of a Martian meteorite discovered in the Agadez region for nearly $5 million in the United States. Chaired by General Tiani, the government meeting identified the fragment as “the largest Martian rock ever found on Earth” and a major scientific asset.
Suspecting illicit trafficking, Nigerien authorities have tasked several ministries, including those of Mines, Public Security, Justice, and Higher Education, with investigating the matter. The investigation aims to verify compliance with national and international regulations governing the protection of natural resources and cultural property.
According to the decree published by the General Secretariat of the Government, any export of precious, semi-precious stones, or meteorites now requires an exemption order from the Minister of Mines. These exemptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis and only when they serve the national interest.
To enforce the new regulation, the Defense and Security Forces have been authorized to seize any unauthorized exports. Violators will face penalties as outlined in the country’s existing mining law. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Niger to better manage and benefit from its natural resources, which have often been exploited without sufficient oversight or direct economic gain for the country.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA