Abuja: The 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week, hosted by the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development of Nigeria and organized by the Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PwC Nigeria and VUKA Group, marks a significant milestone in the country’s mining industry. This event reflects the growing maturity of Nigeria’s extractive sector.
According to African Press Organization, VUKA Group Event Director for Mining, Samukelo Madlabane, emphasized that the traditional 10th-anniversary gift of tin and aluminum is fitting, given Nigeria’s abundant tin reserves and its role as a major exporter of tin ore. The country is also a significant consumer and processor of aluminum. The event aims to facilitate sharing, deal-making, and networking among attendees, with new forums introduced to foster collaboration across various sectors.
One of the new features is the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC) Deal Room, which will serve as a private venue for top investors, project owners, and industry leaders to negotiate transformative agreements. This dedicated space is designed to facilitate focused conversations that can turn opportunities into business success through pre-arranged meetings.
The Gold and West Africa Forum highlights Nigeria’s burgeoning gold sector, driven by private sector interest, artisanal mining reforms, and government initiatives like the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI). This positions Nigeria as a key gold producer in West Africa.
The Power-To-Mines Forum, a one-day event, will bring together stakeholders from Nigeria’s power and mining sectors. It addresses the critical interdependence of these industries, recognizing the need for stable electricity to support Nigeria’s mining-led industrial transformation and its goal of a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.
The Quarrying Forum will focus on advancements in technology, sustainable practices, and investment strategies essential for Nigeria’s infrastructure and construction industries. It aims to foster innovation and overcome industry challenges to build a sustainable quarrying landscape.
The Steel Forum is dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s steel sector, recognizing its potential for industrialization, job creation, and infrastructure development. Despite abundant iron ore reserves, Nigeria imports a significant volume of steel products. This forum seeks to explore opportunities to boost domestic steel production and make Nigeria a regional steel hub.
The Women in Extractive Industries Forum celebrates the contributions of women in mining and extractives, while promoting dialogue on gender equity and inclusion. It aims to increase women’s visibility and participation in Nigeria’s mining value chain.
The Gemstones Forum will spotlight Nigeria’s potential as a hub for gemstone mining, processing, and trading. It will explore formalization, certification, value addition, and export diversification to position Nigeria competitively in the global gemstone market.
From October 13 to 15, Nigeria Mining Week will showcase numerous mining and extractive projects, attracting attendees from over 20 countries, including more than 2,300 mining professionals and 137 expert speakers. The event has become a key gathering for industry leaders and suppliers, with returning sponsors such as Titan Minerals Ltd, KMDC, Mikano Motors, Sinogrand, Xugong Nigeria Company Ltd, and SMT Nigeria.