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Why Niger Is Investigating the $5M Sale of the Largest Mars Rock Found on Earth
NIGER, AUG 11 – Niger questions the legality of the meteorite's export after it sold for over $5 million, raising concerns of illicit trafficking and lack of proceeds to the country.
- Officials in Niger have launched an investigation into the $5 million sale of the largest Martian meteorite found on Earth, discovered in November 2023 in northwestern Niger's Sahara Desert.
- The inquiry follows Niger's government accusing the sale of being akin to illicit international trafficking amid concerns the meteorite may have been smuggled out without proper export procedures.
- Sotheby's stated the meteorite, named NWA 16788, was exported from Niger with all required documentation and international protocols, while the rock traveled 140 million miles after being blasted off Mars by an asteroid impact.
- Patty Gerstenblith, a lawyer specializing in cultural heritage, explained that meteorites may be considered cultural property under the UNESCO convention, which both Niger and the U.S. have ratified. However, she emphasized that Niger must establish ownership and prove the meteorite was taken unlawfully. She added that if the meteorite was legally imported into the United States and was not stolen, it is unlikely that Niger would be able to reclaim it.
- In response to enforcement challenges from vast deserts and informal trading, Niger's president suspended all exports of precious stones and meteorites nationwide last week to ensure traceability amid growing meteorite hunting in the region.
22 Articles
22 Articles
In 2023 a Mars meteorite is discovered in Niger - in 2025 it is auctioned in New York. As the lump came from Mars to the USA, now becomes the point of contention. Niger's government announces an investigation - and calls back the precious boulder.
A Martian meteorite sold last month for a record $4.3 million at Sotheby's in New York. The meteorite is the largest piece of Martian rock ever found. However, the government in Niger has launched an investigation into possible illegal trafficking.
$5 million Mars rock found in Africa is being investigated for this reason
The West African country of Niger is investigating after the largest ever piece of Mars rock, which was found there, was sold for millions in a New York auction.A 25 kg meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger is the largest piece of Mars ever to be found on Earth and set a world record wh...
Why Niger Is Investigating the $5 Million Sale of the Largest Mars Rock Found on Earth
DAKAR, Senegal—It’s the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth—a 54-pound meteorite that fetched more than $5 million at a New York auction last month, setting a world record. But in the West African nation of Niger, where the rusty-red rock was unearthed in the Sahara Desert, officials have launched an investigation into what they call possible “illicit international trafficking,” claiming it may have been smuggled out of the country. Here’s…
The $5 Million Sale Of The Largest Mars Rock Found On Earth Is Now Under Government Investigation
It’s the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth — a 54-pound (25-kilogram) meteorite that fetched more than $5 million at a New York auction last month, setting a world record. But in the West African nation of Niger, where the rusty-red rock was unearthed in the Sahara Desert, officials have launched an investigation into what they call possible “illicit international trafficking,” claiming it may have been smuggled out of the country. Here’…
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