Niger has launched an investigation into a rare Mars rock sold for £3.2m at a New York auction, raising concerns about potential smuggling. The 24.5kg meteorite was discovered in the country’s Agadez region and later sold through Sotheby’s “Geek Week” auction in mid-July.
The government has questioned how the rock left Niger to reach the US, with allegations suggesting it may have been smuggled out of the country. Sotheby’s has strongly denied these claims, stating that they complied with international regulations and all necessary documentation was in order during its journey.
Only a few hundred Martian meteorites are known on Earth, making NWA 16788 an extremely rare find. The rock contains unique glassy material called Maskelynite, created by intense heat and pressure from Mars’ asteroid impact.
Scientists have raised concerns that the secretive sale may prevent access to researchers and the public. A palaeontologist has urged the meteorite to be made available in a museum, where it can be studied and enjoyed by many. Sotheby’s is reviewing information related to the investigation amid rising questions about the rock’s origins.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/10/niger-claims-mars-rock-was-trafficked-out-of-africa