The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) says Nigeria’s gold, limestone, and bitumen production is increasing, contributing significantly to local economic growth and job creation.

Dele Ayankale, the national president of MAN, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during a news conference to officially inaugurate the 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled for October.

The Nigeria Mining Week is organised by MAN in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

The 2025 edition, themed “Mining from Progress to Global Relevance,” will take place from October 15 to 17.

Mr Ayankale attributed the production growth to previous editions of the mining week, describing the event as a key platform for fostering innovative ideas that drove sectoral development.

He said over the past nine years, the annual conference had led discussions shaping Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, facilitating the introduction of emerging global technologies and policy reforms that had improved the ease of doing business.

He also noted that mining companies were increasingly adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and boost community engagement.

According to him, the conference serves as a collaborative platform for government, investors, operators, service providers, sponsors, partners, and civil society to strategise on sustainable mining growth.

Mr Ayankale said the 10th anniversary edition would further enhance dialogue, partnerships, and investment opportunities.

“It offers a chance to showcase technological innovation, sustainability, and business excellence across the mining value chain.”

He stressed that collaboration with critical stakeholders had been vital in shaping policies, improving operational standards, and building trust within the sector.

“During this edition, we will promote initiatives that encourage investment, improve safety, support artisanal and small-scale miners, and ensure compliance with global best practices.

“The event will also feature deal rooms, technical workshops, and strategic forums to facilitate practical solutions and direct engagement between operators and investors,” he said.

Inaugurating the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week, the minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake, highlighted the event’s role in showcasing the sector’s potential to local and international stakeholders.

He was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Faruk Yabo, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for mining investment.

He emphasised Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, with more than 44 distinct minerals, positioning the country as a prime investment destination in Africa.

Mr Alake said the event would bring together policymakers, financiers, miners, explorers, technology providers, and development partners to review the past decade’s progress.

He added that the forum would help set the tone for the future and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global mining community.

Samukelo Madlabane, event director, mining, at VUKA Group, stated that the conference would also focus on unlocking investment opportunities in related sectors such as power, steel, and infrastructure.

Mr Madlabane said new features for the 10th edition included a steel forum, women in extractive industries forum, gold and West Africa forum, and the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC) deal room.

He said the conference was expected to attract about 3,500 participants from more than 20 countries.

These, he said, would include more than 2,300 mining professionals, 180 mining operators, and 137 industry experts.

(NAN)