Organisers of the inaugural SSolid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) 2026 have stressed need to accelerate economic diversification and promote the nation’s non-oil mining industry.

Held in Abuja recently, the event, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, brought together investors, regulators, community leaders, and industry operators to celebrate excellence.

Companies and individuals driving sustainable growth in a sector long overshadowed by petroleum, were also honoured.

The awards came as President Bola Tinubu’s administration intensifies efforts to reduce oil dependence and unlock the vast potential of the nation’s solid minerals.

According to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, “our past is a story already told, our future shall be written in gold.”

SOMEA 2026 placed heavy emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, occupational health and safety, local content, and community development — marking a significant shift in how mining success is measured in the country.

Chairman of the SOMEA 2026 Jury, Prof. Olatunji Akinade explained that winners were selected through a rigorous, transparent process using the Quadruple Helix Model, drawing evaluators from industry, government, academia and civil society.

To him, “this recognition is a platform. I encourage winners to leverage it to strengthen partnerships, attract investment, and drive further growth.”

In his speech, SOMEA President, Dr. Oladuni Owo noted the Nigerian solid minerals industry stands at the center of the nation’s economic diversification agenda

Segilola Resources Operating Ltd emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, carting home multiple awards including Gold Mining Company of the Year, Outstanding Gold Producer of the Year, and CDA Company of the Year.

Other major category winners include: Mining & Processing Company of the Year – Lithium: Avatar New Energy Materials Co. Ltd; Mining & Processing Company of the Year – Coal: Mosra Energy; Mining & Processing Company of the Year – Barite: RIMCO Nigeria Ltd; Mining & Processing Company of the Year – Limestone/Cement: BUA Cement Plc; Mining Company of the Year – Lead Zinc: Multiverse Mining & Exploration Plc; Mining Company of the Year – Iron Ore: African Industries Ltd; Most Innovative Mining Company: African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd

Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) operators were also prominently recognised, with Mrs. Nere Emiko (Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kian Smith Mine Ltd) named ASM Outstanding Woman of the Year and Korokpa Taimako Crushing and Processing Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited winning ASM Enterprise of the Year.

The Isashi/Ibeshe Community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, received the Responsible Mining Host Community of the Year Award, underscoring the growing importance of community-company relations.

The event was supported by major sponsors including Gold, Kursi Group, and several leading mining firms.

By shining a light on both large-scale operators and grassroots miners — including women leaders — SOMEA 2026 has positioned human capital, responsible practices, and inclusive growth as the new benchmarks for success in the nation’s emerging minerals economy.