Segilola gold mine operator backs responsible mining at Abuja industry week

The company running Nigeria's first commercial gold mine used this year's Nigeria Mining Week to argue that the country's mineral wealth will only pay off if rules are clear and communities are carried along.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd, attended the 11th edition of the event as a Diamond Sponsor. It held from 12 to 14 October at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The week was hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria with PwC Nigeria. Its theme was unlocking investment and growth through partnerships.

Government representatives, investors, mining companies and technical experts took part, according to the organisers' description of the event.

What the mine operator told the room

In his keynote address, SROL Country Manager Austin Menegbo said the Segilola Gold Mine is working proof that a commercial gold mine can be built and run in Nigeria.

He pointed to patient capital, technical discipline, effective regulation and strong community partnerships as the ingredients of a viable mining industry.

"Potential, by itself, creates no jobs, earns no export revenue, builds no skills and transforms no communities," Menegbo said.

He said the task now is to make the path easier for projects coming behind Segilola, not by lowering standards but by making rules coherent and processes credible.

SROL's Community Development and Stakeholder Manager Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda, Mines Manager Sikiru Haruna and Environment Lead David Mbrekpadiaha also joined panel sessions. The discussions covered refining, responsible mining and keeping a social licence to operate through the life of a mine.

The company ran a masterclass on water management, recycling and conservation. It also delivered a presentation on lessons from building Segilola and scaling up a commercial gold industry. Its exhibition booth focused on environmental care, workplace safety and host community development.

Why it matters beyond the conference hall

Nigeria has long depended on oil for export earnings and government revenue. Mining is seen by officials and investors as one route to diversify the economy, create jobs and build local skills.

For ordinary Nigerians, that promise depends on whether mining projects actually take off, pay taxes and treat host communities and the environment fairly. Illegal mining and pollution remain concerns in several states.

The sources did not give figures on Segilola's output, revenue or workforce, or on new investments announced at the event.

What happens next: The sources do not say what specific commitments or policy decisions came out of the week. The company says it will keep sharing its operating experience as more mining projects are developed.