The government of Niger has entered into a joint venture with Kamlesh Pattni, a controversial Kenyan businessman previously sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom, to establish a gold refinery and gemstone processing hub in the capital, Niamey.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, April 23, between Niger and Dubai-based Suvarna Royal Gold Trading LLC, where Pattni serves as CEO, paves the way for the creation of Royal Gold Niger SA — a new company that will install a gold refinery, jewellery manufacturing plant, and gemstone polishing centre.
