Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) has renewed its call for responsible mining and sustainable resource development, using the 2026 Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) to argue that Africa’s mineral wealth should deliver long-term economic and community benefits.

The three-day summit, held in Abuja from 23 to 25 June and organised by Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, brought together ministers, investors, policymakers and development partners to discuss how Africa can attract investment while improving governance of its natural resources.

Why it matters

Africa holds some of the world’s largest deposits of critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, infrastructure and manufacturing.

Industry analysts say that while demand for these minerals continues to rise, governments face growing pressure to ensure mining projects create jobs, protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of host communities rather than simply exporting raw materials.

AFNIS 2026, themed “One Africa, One Resource Vision: Forging a Continental Alliance for Sustainable Development,” focused on issues including resource governance, energy transition, value addition, financing, gender inclusion and global supply chains.

Segilola’s message

Returning as one of the summit’s sponsors, SROL said it wanted to support discussions aimed at strengthening investment and collaboration across Africa’s mining industry.

The company operates Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mine and says it has implemented community development initiatives alongside its mining operations.

SROL’s Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, represented the company during strategic engagements with policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders.

Speaking during the summit, Menegbo said:

“At SROL, responsible mining goes beyond resource extraction. For us, it is about creating shared value for host communities, operating in accordance with international best practices and building partnerships that support sustainable growth. AFNIS 2026 provides an important platform for advancing these conversations and shaping the future of the industry. Nigeria’s mining sector has a critical role to play in driving economic diversification and sustainable development on the continent.”

Industry perspective

Mining experts have repeatedly argued that Africa must move beyond exporting raw minerals if it hopes to maximise the economic benefits of its natural resources.

They say stronger regulation, transparent governance, local mineral processing and investment in host communities will be essential if mining is to become a major driver of economic diversification across the continent.

The discussions at AFNIS reflected these priorities, with participants exploring ways to improve financing, regional cooperation and sustainable mining practices.

Government focus

Nigeria has identified solid minerals as one of the sectors expected to reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues.

Officials have increasingly encouraged investment in responsible mining while promoting policies designed to improve transparency, attract investors and expand value-added mineral processing.

What it means for communities

For communities hosting mining operations, responsible mining could mean greater investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

Environmental groups, however, continue to stress that these benefits must be matched by strong environmental safeguards, community engagement and accountability.

What’s next?

As demand for Africa’s mineral resources grows, industry leaders say partnerships between governments, investors and mining companies will be crucial to ensuring the continent’s resources contribute to sustainable economic growth.

SROL says it intends to continue supporting initiatives that promote responsible mining while expanding opportunities for host communities and the wider economy.

A mining company operating in Osun State has commissioned a community-owned water factory and rehabilitated a key road corridor in Ijesaland, creating more than 80 direct jobs and opening new economic opportunities for residents.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) unveiled the projects during a visit by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup (Ajimoko III), who toured the company’s operations and community development projects across the region.

The newly commissioned Ogere-Ekun Golden Water Factory in Iperindo and the rehabilitation of the Imogbara-Odo-Ijesha road corridor form part of the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) commitments aimed at improving infrastructure, supporting livelihoods and strengthening local economies.

The projects come at a time when access to clean water and rural infrastructure remain major development challenges in many Nigerian communities.

Why the projects matter

For residents of Iperindo and neighbouring communities, the water factory is expected to provide both access to safe drinking water and a long-term source of income.

The facility, located on Araromi Street in Iperindo, is designed to produce 3,000 litres of treated water every hour. It is equipped with reverse osmosis and ozone treatment systems, PET bottle production lines, sachet water production facilities and backup power infrastructure.

Unlike many corporate social responsibility projects, the factory is owned by the community and managed through a Board of Trustees made up of community representatives.

The company said the enterprise was designed to become a self-sustaining business capable of generating revenue long after mining operations have ended.

At the same time, the rehabilitation of the 2.4-kilometre Imogbara-Odo-Ijesha road is expected to improve transportation, reduce flooding and support commercial activities in the area.

The road project included grading, laterite filling, pavement construction using interlocking stones, drainage systems and culvert installations to improve year-round accessibility.

Traditional ruler praises community impact

During the commissioning ceremony, Oba Haastrup commended the company for its contribution to employment and community development.

According to the monarch, the company’s operations have provided opportunities for more than 2,000 people across South-West Nigeria, with a significant proportion of beneficiaries coming from communities within Ijesaland.

He also stressed the importance of companies honouring Community Development Agreements and implementing projects that deliver tangible benefits to host communities.

Company highlights clean water and economic benefits

Speaking on the significance of the projects, SROL’s Community Development and Stakeholder Manager, Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda, said the water factory addresses a critical need in rural communities where access to safe drinking water remains limited.

“We are proud of these community development projects because in a place like Nigeria, where only 67% of the population has access to clean drinking water, millions of people, particularly in rural areas, are left to rely on unsafe water sources, which cause preventable water-borne illnesses.

“This newly commissioned water factory solves this problem for the Iperindo community by providing a trusted drinking water source for residents and it also serves as a source of livelihood and economic prosperity that will outlive the mine.

“On the other side, the rehabilitation of the road will improve access to Imogbara and Odo-Ijesha, unlocking greater economic opportunities for both communities. The project will also enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians, while reducing flooding through the installation of an efficient drainage system.”

Community leaders welcome investment

Local traditional leaders also welcomed the development, describing it as a long-term economic asset for residents.

The Tirimi of Iperindo, Oba Isaiah Adedeji, said the factory would create jobs while generating value for future generations.

“On behalf of the people of Iperindo, we deeply appreciate SROL for providing this sustainable enterprise, which not only creates employment opportunities for our youth but also delivers long-term economic value.

“Most importantly, this is a community-owned enterprise that will hopefully continue to bring prosperity to our people for years to come.”

Economic impact

The company said the newly completed projects have already generated more than 80 direct employment opportunities for community members.

SROL added that 27% of employees at the Segilola Gold Mine come from host communities, while 25% are from Osun State.

Development experts often point to local employment, infrastructure investment and community ownership models as important factors in ensuring that natural resource projects create lasting economic benefits beyond the life of a mine.

What happens next?

The water factory is expected to begin full-scale operations under community management, supplying treated drinking water to residents and surrounding markets.

Meanwhile, the improved road network is expected to support trade, improve mobility and reduce transportation challenges for residents and businesses in the area.

For SROL, the projects represent part of a broader strategy to strengthen relationships with host communities through investments focused on long-term development and shared economic growth.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), operator of the Segilola Gold Mine, emerged as one of the biggest winners at the maiden edition of the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) held in Abuja.

The awards ceremony, which took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel on 14 May 2026, gathered major stakeholders in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry to recognise excellence, innovation and contributions to the sector.

SROL secured three major awards after receiving five nominations. The company won:

SOMEA Gold Mining Company of the Year

SOMEA Outstanding Gold Producer of the Year – Main Category

SOMEA Outstanding Gold Producer of the Year – Mines Inspectorate Category

The recognition comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil, with the mining sector increasingly positioned as a key growth driver.

Why the Awards Matter

Nigeria’s solid minerals industry has attracted renewed government attention in recent years as authorities seek to boost exports, create jobs and increase foreign investment.

Industry analysts say the emergence of companies such as SROL highlights the potential for large-scale mining operations to contribute significantly to national revenue and rural development.

In 2025, the Segilola Gold Mine produced 94,130 ounces of gold, strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading gold producers.

Mining experts also point to the importance of operational safety and community engagement in an industry often criticised for environmental and labour concerns.

Company Reacts to Recognition

SROL’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Ijeoma Ohiaeri, described the awards as recognition of the company’s long-term commitment to responsible mining practices.

“We are proud to receive these awards in recognition of our impact and efforts. However, our commitment to excellence and responsible mining goes far beyond accolades; it is deeply rooted in the company’s ethos and values.”

The company said its workplace safety achievements are supported by its internal safety management framework known as “SROLSafe”.

SROL added that it remains focused on maintaining strong relationships with host communities through development projects and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Community and Industry Impact

The mining company said the awards reflect its broader efforts to create long-term value for communities surrounding its operations.

Experts say sustainable engagement with host communities is becoming increasingly important in Nigeria’s extractive industries, where tensions over environmental impact and economic benefits have historically affected operations.

Industry observers also note that stronger compliance with occupational health and safety standards could help improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.

What’s Next for Nigeria’s Mining Sector?

The Federal Government has repeatedly identified solid minerals as a strategic sector capable of supporting economic diversification and reducing dependence on crude oil exports.

Analysts believe recognition platforms such as SOMEA could encourage improved standards, competition and transparency across the industry.

As commercial mining activities expand, stakeholders are expected to pay closer attention to environmental sustainability, community relations and regulatory compliance.