The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says responsible and sustainable mining will shape Nigeria’s economic future as the country intensifies efforts to reduce oil dependence.

Mr Alake spoke while endorsing the maiden Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA 2026) at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

He described the awards as a strategic platform supporting Nigeria’s mining reform and economic diversification agenda.

“Our past is a story already told. Our future shall be written in gold,” Mr Alake said.

He said the awards highlighted the growing role of solid minerals in national development.

Mr Alake added that the initiative recognised individuals, institutions, and companies promoting sustainability, innovation, and community development in mining.

SOMEA 2026 was organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The event honoured operators, investors, cooperatives, and institutions contributing to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.

The Chairman of SOMEA 2026 Jury, Prof. Olatunji Akinade said winners emerged through an independent assessment framework.

He said the process followed the Quadruple Helix Model involving industry, government, academia, and civil society.

“This structure ensured our deliberations balanced commercial realities, policy context, academic standards and social impact,” Mr Akinade said.

He urged winners to use the recognition to attract investment, strengthen partnerships, and expand sector growth.

The President of SOMEA, Dr Oladunni Owo, said the mining sector had become central to the Federal Government’s diversification plans under President Bola Tinubu.

“The Federal Government has made it clear that mining will be a pillar of Nigeria’s prosperity,” Ms Owo said.

She said the awards emphasised environmental, social, and governance principles, occupational safety, local content, and community inclusion.

MsOwo said the event also recognised artisanal mining cooperatives and women operators.

She said the recognition underscored the importance of labour safety and host communities in sustainable mining development.

Avatar New Energy Materials Co. Ltd won Mining and Processing Company of the Year for Lithium.

Mosra Energy received the Coal Mining Company of the Year award.

BUA Cement Plc won the Limestone/Cement category.

Segilola Resources Operating Ltd secured Gold Mining Company of the Year and Outstanding Gold Producer of the Year awards.

African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd won Most Innovative Mining Company of the Year and Outstanding Performer in Occupational Health and Safety.

Kian Smith Mine Ltd received the Gold Aggregating Company of the Year Award for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.

Mrs Nere Emiko of Kian Smith Mine Ltd emerged ASM Outstanding Woman of the Year.

Hajia Huwa of Hahaibs Nigerian Limited received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The event also honoured institutions supporting regulation and sector development.

The institutions included the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Mining Cadastre Office, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-sciences, and Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.

Industry stakeholders said discussions from SOMEA 2026 continued to shape investment, regulation, and mining community engagement.

They said the event strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive through solid minerals development. 

(NAN)