By Obiabin Onukwugha
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week will draw participants from across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
He also stated that about 100 exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge mining technologies with more than 3,500 delegates in attendance.
The Week which has its theme: “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, is scheduled to hold between 13th to 15th of October in Abuja.
Alake, who disclosed this during a press conference at the weekend, said the theme of the week aligns with Nigeria’s goal to boost revenue by adding value to minerals and tapping opportunities in the energy transition and reflects growing global interest in Nigeria’s mineral potential.
The Minister, who insisted on sanitising the mining sector said he has received threats over the recent revocation of 1,263 mineral licences for non-payment of annual fees.
According to him, some operators whose licences were revoked had been threatening international arbitration against him over the action but that he was not deterred as the step was taken to ensure Nigeria obtained commensurate revenue from the sector for national development.
“Some people have had licenses since former President Olusegun Obasanjo regime but have not used it,” he said.
He also stated that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has increased its contribution to the nation’s GDP from less than 0.5 per cent 10 years ago to about 4.65 per cent, with higher growth projected in the coming years.
“In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing and more communities being impacted by mining activity. The ideas of strong data, more investment and greater beneficiation that seemed far off are now realities shaping the sector.
“Together through collaborative efforts, innovation and steadfast commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major force in the global mining landscape,” he said.
President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Dele Ayankale, said the 10th edition of the Mining Week marks a decade of impact, innovation, and collaboration in the solid minerals sector.
He said the platform had remained a catalyst for dialogue, reform and innovation, bridging the gap between policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation.
He added that Nigeria has witnessed significant strides in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, investment inflows and the adoption of modern technologies to drive sustainability.
“Minerals such as gold, limestone, barite, lithium and bitumen have gained renewed attention, and through enhanced collaboration, we are seeing tangible contributions to job creation, community development and economic diversification,” he stated.
