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DRC Mining Week wins “Event of the Year” at the Katanga Awards

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Powerful endorsement of DRC’s premier platform for mining investment and development

DRC Mining Week, organised annually by VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/) in Lubumbashi, has been awarded “Event of the Year” at the Katanga Awards, reaffirming its status as the leading platform for mining investment, project development, and economic transformation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to VUKA Group, the recognition comes at a particularly meaningful moment, as DRC Mining Week celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025. This milestone reflects two decades of partnership, dialogue, and sector advancement in the DRC’s mining heartland.

For over a decade, DRC Mining Week has been the country’s most influential meeting point for investment mobilisation, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration. Each edition brings together:

  • international and local investors
  • mining operators and juniors
  • project developers
  • financial institutions
  • OEMs and EPCs
  • government ministries and regulators
  • and longstanding institutional partners, including the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) and the Chamber of Mines of the DRC

 

all aligned around unlocking the full potential of the DRC’s world-class mineral wealth.

2025: Record achievement
This year’s 20th anniversary edition marked a historic milestone with:

  • 16,500+ total attendees
  • 1,115 delegates, including
    • 129 VIPs
    • 88 speakers
  • 300+ sponsors and exhibitors
  • Participation from 50+ countries

DRC Mining Week also featured 25+ high-level conference sessions focused on industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure expansion, beneficiation, and sustainable development—reinforcing its position as the DRC’s most influential platform for mining investment and sector growth.

Our purpose has always been clear—to create a trusted platform where capital, expertise, and opportunity converge to support the DRC’s long-term economic development

Honouring national leadership and strategic partners

VUKA Group recognises and appreciates the continued support of the DRC Government and its key institutions. Their collaboration plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision, stability, and long-term impact of DRC Mining Week.

During her keynote address in Lubumbashi in June this year, DRC’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mrs Judith Suminwa Tuluka described the 20th edition of DRC Mining Week as “a moment to celebrate the remarkable progress our mining sector has achieved.”

DRC’s new Mining Minister, H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba, an industry pioneer and himself a veteran attendee of DRC Mining Week over the years, is known for calling the event “the place to be to do business in the DRC,” and he regularly invites industry stakeholders to DRC Mining Week when addressing global mining gatherings.

VUKA Group also recognises the invaluable partnership of the FEC and the Chamber of Mines, whose collaboration and guidance have strengthened the platform over many years.

Shared achievement for the mining community

“This award belongs to the mining and investment community we serve,” says Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director for DRC Mining Week. “Our purpose has always been clear—to create a trusted platform where capital, expertise, and opportunity converge to support the DRC’s long-term economic development. Celebrating our 20th anniversary with record growth and now this award is a testament to the strength, unity, and ambition of our community.”

Recognising sponsors and supporters

Madlabane adds:

“We extend our sincere appreciation to our Sponsors, Exhibitors, Media Partners, and Supporting Associations. Your continued commitment has become a cornerstone of DRC Mining Week.

“These partnerships are more than visibility—they actively shape the event into a platform for progress, opportunity, and impactful dialogue.

“To all our sponsors and exhibitors: Your contributions are the engine of DRC Mining Week’s success. This milestone year would not have been possible without your dedication, innovation, and steadfast support.”

Looking ahead to 2026

Madlabane continues: “With preparations underway for the 21st edition of DRC Mining Week (17–19 June 2026 at the Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia Hotel), VUKA Group remains committed to elevating the platform’s role in connecting stakeholders, driving investment, and supporting sustainable industrial development in the DRC.

About VUKA Group’s commitment

Through DRC Mining Week and the DRC–Africa Battery Metals Forum, VUKA Group continues to invest in platforms that unlock:

  • long-term investment opportunities
  • local market development
  • project growth
  • infrastructure expansion
  • industrial value creation across the Congolese economy

Furthermore, VUKA remains dedicated to supporting the DRC’s transformation into a globally competitive mining and industrial powerhouse.

DRC Mining Week dates and venue 2026:

  • Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
  • Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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SLB commissions new fluids systems plant in Pemba to support Mozambique’s offshore energy development

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Mozambique

New facility expands in-country drilling and completion fluids capability, advancing the next phase of SLB’s growth in Mozambique

PEMBA, Mozambique, October 9, 2026/APO Group/ –SLB (NYSE: SLB) (www.SLB.com) announced the opening of a new fluids systems plant in Pemba, Mozambique. The new facility strengthens in-country capacity to prepare, store and deliver drilling and completion fluids for offshore operations, reinforcing the infrastructure needed as Mozambique’s offshore activity grows and its role as a strategic energy hub for East Africa continues to expand.

The commissioning of the plant, also known as a liquid mud plant, coincides with SLB marking 70 years of operations in Mozambique. It reflects the company’s long-term commitment to investing in people, infrastructure and capability that support the country’s long-term offshore energy development plans.

 




  

With an initial storage capacity of 21,000 barrels, the liquid mud plant provides a scalable platform for future growth, supporting multiple customers and rising offshore activity while improving logistics and enhancing operational flexibility.

As SLB marks 70 years in Mozambique, this investment reflects our confidence in the country’s future and our commitment to supporting its energy ambitions

“As SLB marks 70 years in Mozambique, this investment reflects our confidence in the country’s future and our commitment to supporting its energy ambitions,” said Miguel Baptista, Central, East and Southern Africa, Managing Director, SLB. The new liquid mud plant strengthens local energy infrastructure, expands opportunities for local content development, and enhances our ability to support customers as they deliver some of Africa’s most significant offshore energy resources.”

The liquid mud plant project was delivered with strong local participation and that momentum is expected to continue into operations. During project delivery, more than 100 jobs were created in Pemba with nationals representing 80% of the workforce, reflecting a focus on building local capability.

The project was delivered with a strong focus on safety, operational integrity, and quality, achieving more than 67,000 hours worked without a recordable safety incident.

This key infrastructure strengthens SLB’s ability to support consistent service quality and enhance supply chain readiness for increasing offshore activity across Mozambique, supporting customers execute safely and efficiently while developing local skills and expertise.

Key Points:

  • SLB has commissioned a new fluids system plant in Pemba, expanding in-country drilling and completion fluids capability for offshore operations.
  • With an initial storage capacity of 21,000 barrels, the facility provides a scalable platform to support growing offshore activity in Mozambique.
  • The investment marks the next phase of SLB’s growth in Mozambique, strengthening local capability and supporting long-term offshore energy development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SLB.

 

 




 

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South African Energy Storage Association (SAESA) welcomes 4,600 MW battery storage prioritisation and calls for integrated energy planning

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Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming critical system infrastructure, supporting flexibility, reducing avoidable curtailment, shifting energy into periods of demand and strengthening security of supply

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 9, 2026/APO Group/ –The South African Energy Storage Association (SAESA) (www.SAESA.org.za) welcomes the prioritisation of 4,600 MW of battery energy storage under the first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 Section 34 determination.

 




  

The timing is significant. Recent Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) modelling and assumptions discussions highlighted a fundamental shift that South Africa’s energy planning now needs to capture: we cannot plan the future power system by counting megawatts of generation alone.

We must plan for when energy is available, where it is available, how it moves through a constrained grid and how it is stored and dispatched when the system needs it most.

The announcement reinforces that shift. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming critical system infrastructure, supporting flexibility, reducing avoidable curtailment, shifting energy into periods of demand and strengthening security of supply.

For SAESA, the message for the IEP is clear: storage, flexibility and system services must be modelled as integral components of South Africa’s future electricity architecture, with their contribution considered from the outset of generation planning.

“The IEP must plan the power system we are becoming, not simply model the power system we have inherited,” says SAESA.

The IEP must plan the power system we are becoming, not simply model the power system we have inherited

Partnership with C&I Energy + Storage Summit

SAESA is an association partner of the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, created by VUKA Group, taking place on 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg.

The summit brings together commercial and industrial energy users, project developers, financiers, regulators and solution providers to explore practical approaches to energy security, procurement and storage deployment.

For businesses assessing how storage can support their operations, the event offers an opportunity to meet SAESA and engage with the wider energy community on the decisions shaping South Africa’s evolving electricity system.

Commercial and industrial energy decision-makers are invited to apply to attend as hosted buyers. Qualifying buyers receive complimentary summit access and curated opportunities to engage with industry partners.

 

Meet SAESA at C&I Energy + Storage Summit: Join the Hosted Buyer Programme

The Hosted Buyer Programme connects commercial and industrial energy decision-makers with solution providers shaping South Africa’s evolving private energy market.

Qualified energy buyers receive complimentary access to the summit and curated engagement with industry partners exploring energy procurement, storage deployment and project development.

Apply for the Hosted Buyer Programme (https://apo-opa.co/4ehLijJ)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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Nigeria Mining Week 2026 sets the agenda for the sector’s next decade

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Nigeria Mining Week

International Lithium Association and Mercuria Energy Trading NG join Nigeria Mining Week 2026 ahead of its opening in Abuja on 12 October

Nigeria has the mineral endowment to play a growing role in global supply chains, including critical minerals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 8, 2026/APO Group/ —Programme and delegate passes: www.NigeriaMiningWeek.com

With less than a week to go, Nigeria Mining Week 2026 has added a global commodity trader and the world’s lithium trade association to its programme. Mercuria Energy Trading NG has signed as a Gold Sponsor, and the International Lithium Association (ILiA) has joined as a Supporting Association.

 




 
 

They join Nigeria’s mining leaders, investors and operators in Abuja from 12 to 14 October for three days on the questions that will define the sector’s next decade: who finances Nigerian projects, who buys their output, and how much of it is processed in Nigeria.

Now in its 11th edition, the event takes place at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the theme “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships”. More than 3,080 attendees and more than 90 sponsors and exhibitors are expected across seven strategic forums.

The decisions made on processing, financing and market access over the next few years will shape Nigerian mining for the decade ahead. Nigeria Mining Week puts the people making those decisions in the same room.

On the agenda

The programme follows six content pillars: exploration and geological data; financing and investment; industrialisation and processing; infrastructure and power; ESG, transparency and community development; and international and regional collaboration.

  • 12 October: pre-conference and roundtables on geological data, financing for junior miners, compliance and enforcement, and power and infrastructure.

Available to conference attendees only.

  • 13 October: conference and exhibition opening, the new Critical Minerals Forum, the Women in Extractive Industries Forum and technical workshops
  • 14 October: Gold Day, sessions on steel and industrial minerals, the Deal Room and further technical workshops

The Deal Room is a curated space for one-on-one meetings between mining projects and financiers, off-takers and strategic partners. Projects seeking offtake or financing can apply to take part.

International Lithium Association joins as Supporting Association

ILiA, the global trade association for the lithium industry, will take part in the Critical Minerals Forum on 13 October. Astrid Karamira, EMEA Representative Director at ILiA, joins the panel “Building Reliable Pathways from Nigeria to Global Battery, Magnet & EV Markets”.

The session looks at what Nigerian projects must do to reach international battery markets: technical and quality standards, traceability and responsible sourcing, export readiness, and the step from exploration success to commercial operation.

“Global buyers are asking more of their suppliers on quality, traceability and responsible sourcing than ever before. Nigeria Mining Week is an opportunity to discuss openly what those expectations mean in practice, and how Nigerian projects can meet them.”

Mercuria Energy Trading NG signs as Gold Sponsor

Mercuria Energy Trading NG is the Nigerian subsidiary of Mercuria, one of the world’s leading independent energy and commodity groups. It brings a buyer and offtaker perspective to the programme.

For many Nigerian projects, a credible buyer is the gap between a promising deposit and a financed mine. Mercuria will contribute to discussions on commodity trading and offtake partnerships, critical minerals supply chains, and infrastructure and logistics.

“Nigeria has the mineral endowment to play a growing role in global supply chains, including critical minerals. We look forward to sharing how trading, offtake and logistics partnerships can help Nigerian projects reach global markets.”

Event details

The programme is subject to change.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Mining Week.

 

 




 

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