Buhari to host 2022 mining week, spotlight potentials of Nigeria’s natural resources
By Gloria Akudoro, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari will be declaring open, this year’s mining week designed to spotlight the potential of Nigeria’s rich natural resources.
Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite disclosed this to NewsDirect during a pre-event press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Adegbite said discussions in this year’s event would also focus on the nation’s future mineral resources which are the building blocks for many technologies.
The event is scheduled to hold from 1st to 3rd November, 2022 at the International Conference Centre Abuja with the theme, “Success and Achievements in the Nigeria Mining Sector”.
According to him, “concentrating on the mineral resources of the future would provide us with green renewable energy, while allowing us to keep in line with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) global standards.
“These vital future mineral being talked about comprises of copper, cobalt, lithium, nickel, platinum group minerals, and to a lesser extent, aluminum, chromium, graphite, manganese, rare earth elements, and zinc.
“As mineral demand from electric vehicles and battery storage is predicted to grow astronomically, the Minister also revealed that the production of new energies and technologies depends on the future minerals which are globally recognized as being essential for the economy wellbeing of both developed and developing nations. Adding the development of these minerals or the lack thereof will determine the economic strength or weakness of a developing nation like Nigeria.
“An overview of the current policy framework, for the sustainable development of the solid minerals sector. To explore the sustainable investment opportunities available to investors in the Nigerian Mining Sector. To highlight the potential and current challenges faced in the mining sector and to discuss access to finance for bankable mining projects.
“The Government, in particular, has been putting all its political will and weight behind the sustainable development of the Mining Sector and I am super excited to announce that as we aim to discuss the common challenges and share our success stories, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria will declare the event open”, he disclosed.
While enjoined all to be part the robust Mining Week event that would showcase to the world the nation’s natural endowment and also an opportunity to cover latest industry issues as well as providing a springboard for new partnerships & business opportunities, he assured that the nation’s capital is safe as security agencies have been deployed to ensure that all lives and property are well secured.
In his welcome address, the Acting President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Musa Muhammad, thanked the Minister and the entire Ministry and the industry partners, Price Water Cooper (PwC), VUKA Group, Mining Review Africa and the sponsors, Titan Mineral Limited, Avant Garde and others for all their effort in bringing this year event to reality.
He said the Nigeria Mining Week has however generated enormous calls across the globe from both local and international public and private investors as well as stakeholders. He added that sector is working nonstop to make sure the event exceeds expectations while also being a success.
Also speaking, Partner, Head Mining Industry, PwC, Nigeria, Habeeb Jaiyeola, said other matters to be discussing would be Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, financial issues which both the public and private are doing alot, women and child labour issues and issues that well known affecting the industry to be discussed based on local specifics.
He added that financial institutions would be present to speak on several mining packages that are made available and also to deliberate on several projects which are ongoing as well as other matter that are certain.
“As we all know today, mining is critical to the global net-zero essential and as Nigeria being our last destination seeking for diversification and net-zero commitment, the sector will play a significant role in line with global best practices”.
