Nicaragua grants mining concessions to firm linked to Nick Candy

Eight mining concessions totaling over 63,000 hectares have been granted in Nicaragua to Metals Exploration, a London-listed company where British businessman Nick Candy is the second-largest shareholder. The concessions, which cover areas in León, Chinandega, Matagalpa, Estelí, and the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region, were requested through the company's subsidiary, La India Gold S.A.

The granting of these lots follows a March 16, 2026, meeting in Managua between Candy—who serves as treasurer for the Reform UK party—and Laureano Ortega Murillo, the son of Nicaragua's leaders. Also present at the meeting were Energy Minister Salvador Mansell and Attorney General Wendy Morales, both of whom are subject to United States Treasury sanctions.

A spokesperson for Candy stated to the Financial Times that while he was part of a delegation representing Metals Exploration, he had no direct involvement in the application or the granting of the licenses. Metals Exploration maintains that the acquisition process began in 2025, though reports suggest negotiations had been underway for several months prior to the formal request.