Niger Suspends Export of Precious Stones After Controversial Auction Sale of $5.3m Martian Rock in U.S

The Nigerien Government has signed a decree suspending the export of all precious and semi-precious stones, as well as meteorites, to safeguard Niger’s natural resources and tighten control over its trade.

The decision is designed “to preserve national natural resources, facilitate their processing and guarantee the traceability of their production,” according to the decree. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the minister of mining, but only “in the interest of the country,” officials said.

Defence and security forces have been instructed to seize any minerals covered by the new ban, while violators will face penalties in line with Niger’s mining laws.

The move comes in the wake of mounting controversy over the recent sale of NWA 16788, the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth. The 24.5-kilogram ochre-toned rock, unearthed on November 16, 2023, in the desert region of Agadez, fetched $5.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York last month.

Authorities say the meteorite’s route out of Niger, reportedly passing through China and Italy before reaching the United States, has triggered alarm over possible illegal export. In response, the government launched an urgent investigation involving the ministries of justice, higher education, and mines to determine how the scientifically and culturally significant artefact was moved from the country without authorisation.

NWA 16788, the meteorite, is now considered one of the most essential Martian fragments known to science. Measuring 40 centimetres in length, it is believed to have travelled over 62 million kilometres from Mars after being ejected by a massive asteroid impact.

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