Angola has set a goal to become a key exporter of finished critical mineral products within the next 10 to 15 years, according to Paulo Tanganha, National Director of the National Directorate, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola.
The country has identified 34 of the 54 critical minerals recognized by the European Union as essential for the global energy transition, according to Tanganha.
Speaking in Cape Town on Monday, Tanganha stated that Angola is intensifying value addition of critical minerals under its National Development Plan 2023–2027 aimed at diversifying the mining sector and boost revenue generation.
“Angola has traditionally been known for producing diamonds and iron ore, but we are now prioritizing the expansion of copper and other critical minerals,” he said.
“Insufficient infrastructure remains our biggest challenge, which is why we are strengthening partnerships with global stakeholders to improve production, value addition and export capabilities,” he stated. “While we cannot yet require investors to process minerals locally, we are strategically reinvesting revenue from raw material exports to develop the infrastructure needed for domestic value addition.”
He said Angola has begun cutting diamonds locally, polishing gemstones, developing a fertilizer production project and initiating thick steel production from iron deposits in the Kasinga region. The country is set to produce titanium from heavy sands in its western regions, reinvesting revenue from these projects into value addition of critical minerals.
He added that projects such as the Lobito Corridor and the Longonjo network will play a crucial role in shifting Angola’s exports from raw minerals to finished products.
Commenting on the decarbonization of the mining sector, he highlighted that more than 56% of Angola’s energy comes from clean hydropower, positioning the country as a leader in the decarbonization of the mining sector.
