Nigeria Mining Week to host 3,000 delegates as sector targets value addition

More than 3,000 delegates from over 20 countries are expected to attend the 2026 Nigeria Mining Week conference and exhibition in Abuja as stakeholders seek to attract investment into mineral processing and advance Nigeria’s value addition agenda in the solid minerals sector.

The conference, scheduled for October 13 and 14, with a pre-conference programme on October 12, will focus on expanding domestic processing capacity, attracting investment across the mining value chain and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy through solid minerals.

Organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PwC, VUKA Group and Mining Review Africa, and hosted by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the event will bring together government officials, mining companies, investors, financiers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers and development partners.

Samukelo Madlabane, director of the Mining Portfolio at VUKA Group, said the conference is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s efforts to move beyond the export of raw minerals by promoting local processing and beneficiation.

“This year’s programme is a continuation of the country’s commitment to accelerate mineral beneficiation, strengthen midstream capabilities, and position Nigeria as a reliable supplier of strategic minerals,” Madlabane said.

He said the conference would highlight investment opportunities across lithium, gold, iron ore, gemstones, rare earth elements, quarrying and industrial minerals.

“Our objective is to connect investors with bankable projects while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional refining and processing hub,” he said.

Organisers expect about 150 exhibitors and sponsors, 180 mining operators and more than 150 speakers to participate in the event.

The conference programme will focus on improving geological data and exploration, expanding access to project finance, strengthening mineral processing and refining capacity, improving infrastructure and power supply, promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, and enhancing international collaboration.

A key feature of this year’s edition is the Critical Minerals Forum, which will examine investment opportunities in minerals required for the global energy transition, including lithium, rare earth elements, graphite and copper.

The forum will also discuss local refining capacity, international quality standards and long-term offtake agreements, while drawing lessons from mining jurisdictions including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Other sessions include the Gold Forum, which will focus on formalising Nigeria’s gold sector and improving traceability; the Steel and Industrial Minerals Forum; the Women in Extractive Industries Forum; the CEO Roundtable; and the Deal Room, which is designed to connect mining projects with investors and financiers.

According to the organisers, participants are expected from the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, South Africa and India.

The event will also feature business-to-business meetings, networking sessions and a hosted buyer programme to facilitate investment discussions and commercial partnerships.

Now in its 11th edition, Nigeria Mining Week has become a platform for engagement between government, investors and industry stakeholders as Nigeria seeks to increase the contribution of the solid minerals sector to economic growth through investment, processing and value addition.