PRESS CONFERENCE: ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE EVENT DIRECTOR OF MINING – VUKA GROUP

 MR SAMUKELO MADLABANE EVENT DIRECTOR OF MINING- VUKA GROUP AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERALDING THE COMMENCEMENT OF ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THE HOSTING OF LANDMARK 10TH EDITION OF THE ANNUAL NIGERIA MINING WEEK COMING UP ON THE 13TH TO 15TH OCTOBER, 2025 AT IN ABUJA.

The Permanent Secretary, allow me to stand on existing protocol. 

Good morning, everyone. 

It is an immense honor to stand before you today to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 10th anniversary of Nigeria Mining Week. What began as a bold idea has grown into the premier gathering for Nigeria’s mining industry. 

Ten years ago, just 200 mining stakeholders gathered in for a small exhibition and conference. We came together to discuss the potential and challenges of a sector we all knew held immense promise. From that humble start, our annual conference and exhibition, from 2016 to 2019, became a vital platform for policy dialogue, reforms, and new initiatives, attracting a growing number of government officials, industry leaders, and investors. 

Then, the world changed. The global pandemic forced us to adapt, and in 2020 and 2021, Nigeria Mining Week pivoted to virtual events. These online platforms kept our community connected, ensuring that crucial discussions and engagement continued despite travel restrictions. This period demonstrated not only our resilience but also the unwavering commitment of every single one of you to the future of Nigerian mining. 

In November 2022, we made a triumphant return to in-person events at the Abuja International Conference Centre for our 8th edition. With a theme focused on “Capitalizing on Nigeria’s Critical Mineral Resources for its Economic Growth,” we highlighted the strategic importance of minerals like gold, limestone, and lithium. The momentum continued into our 8th edition, held from October 16–18, 2023, which attracted over 2,100 mining professionals, around 200 sponsor and exhibitor delegates, and representation from more than 40 mining operators. The numbers speak for themselves, showcasing the incredible collaboration and investment we’ve fostered. 

This year, Nigeria Mining Week continues its critical role in shaping our industry’s future by championing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development. We are not just a platform; we are a catalyst for progress.  

This journey of a decade culminates in our 10th edition, scheduled for October 13–15, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel. This milestone event will not only celebrate our decade of progress but will also focus on unlocking investment opportunities in vital verticals aligned with our industry, such as power, steel, and infrastructure. This year, we will welcome 3500 attendees to the conference and exhibition. 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey. Your dedication has made all of this possible. Let’s make the 10th edition our most successful yet. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors for their unwavering support and commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s mining sector. Their contributions are instrumental in making Nigeria Mining Week 2025 a resounding success. We acknowledge and appreciate the following sponsors: 

Diamond Plus Sponsor 

• Titan Minerals Limited
  As a leading Mineral exploration company, Titan Minerals Limited provides tailor-made consulting services across the full geological spectrum. 

Diamond Sponsors 

• Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC)
  KMDC is pioneering sustainable mining development in Nigeria through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and community-focused growth. 
• Sinogrand Construction Machinery
  The authorized dealer of Tonly (best for its dumper, more than 400 Units in Nigeria) and Liugong brand (full range of equipment) 
• Xugong Nigeria Company Limited (XCMG)
  a leading enterprise in China’s construction machinery industry with the largest scale, the most advanced technology. 
• Mikano Motors LHCV X LOVOL
  LHCV is a division of Mikano Motors that deals with light and heavy Construction Vehicles such as Hyundai, LOVOL and DFAC. 

Platinum Sponsor 

• SMT Nigeria
  a premium distributor and aftersales partner for the equipment and transport industry. 

Gold Sponsors 

• Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) 

We are honored to recognize Segilola Resources Operating Limited, a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd, for their significant contribution as a Gold Sponsor at Nigeria Mining Week 2024.  

• Rapidlink Resources Limited
  is a Construction, Oil & Energy, Exploration & Mining company based out of Nigeria with offices in various parts of the world.  
• PRD Rigs
  A leading drilling rig manufacturer wide range of drilling rigs of Various application such as. World-class mining drill rig manufacturers in India.  

Silver Sponsor 

• Solar Nigachem Limited
  has been at the forefront of the explosives market as a leading manufacturer of commercial explosives and its related products. 

Bronze Sponsors 

• Bristol Scientific
  offers scientific equipment and services, supporting research and development in the mining sector. 
• HMD
  trusted partner for heavy machinery and construction solutions.  
• Itech Scout Labs Solutions Private Limited
  Itech Scout Labs specializes in laboratory services, essential for mineral analysis and quality control in mining operations. 
• Panafrican Equipment Group
  recognized leader in providing Komatsu, Metso and AGCO equipment and aftersales support solutions in the markets they operate 

Samukelo Madlabane  

Event Director  

VUKA Group