SROL urges investment to unlock gold potential

SROL urges investment to unlock gold potentialSegilola Resources Operating Limited, a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine, reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining at Nigeria Mining Week 2026, where it participated as a Diamond Sponsor.

Held from 12-14 October in Abuja, the 11th edition of NMW brought together government representatives, investors, mining companies and technical experts to fully explore this year’s theme of ‘Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships’ and build capacity across the mining value chain.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PwC Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote address at the main conference, SROL’s Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, noted that the success of the Segilola Gold Mine is operating proof that successful commercial gold mines can be built and operated in Nigeria and also highlighted the importance of patient capital, technical discipline, effective regulation and strong community partnerships in establishing a commercially viable mining industry in Nigeria.

He said: “The opportunity before Nigeria is significant. But potential, by itself, creates no jobs, earns no export revenue, builds no skills and transforms no communities. Potential becomes valuable only when institutions and industry work together to convert it into responsible production. Segilola has shown that this can be done. Our responsibility now is to make the path clearer for the projects that should follow—not by lowering the bar, but by making the rules coherent, the processes credible and the partnerships real. If we do that, Nigeria will not merely have a successful gold mine. It will have a stronger mining industry: one that attracts serious capital, rewards responsible operators, expands Nigerian participation and delivers enduring value to the nation.”

At its masterclass, ‘From Compliance to Stewardship – Water Management: The SROL Way’, SROL shared insights into its approach to water management, recycling and conservation. The session highlighted the importance of integrating water stewardship into mining operations and managing water resources responsibly throughout the mining process.

SROL also delivered ‘Building a Commercial Gold Industry in Nigeria – Lessons from Segilola and the Path to Scale’, sharing lessons from establishing Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mining operation and exploring opportunities for the wider industry. Through its exhibition booth, the company further engaged stakeholders on environmental stewardship, workplace safety and host community development.

Nigeria’s mining sector offers significant opportunities for economic diversification, job creation and industrial development. Realising this potential will require investment, effective regulation, local capabilities and responsible environmental management.

SROL’s participation at NMW 2026 reinforces its commitment to sharing operational expertise, advancing responsible mining practices and supporting the development of a competitive mining industry that creates lasting value for Nigeria and its communities.

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