Angola’s Tetelo Mine Targets 14,000 Tonnes-Per-Day Processing Capacity with New Copper, Zinc and Lead Plants
Angola’s Tetelo mine in Uíge Province is expanding its processing operations with two new plants as the operator seeks to increase production and diversify into copper, zinc and lead.
The expansion, being undertaken by Shining Star Icarus, includes a 3,200-tonne-per-day copper processing plant at Mavoio-Cuia and a 3,000-tonne-per-day zinc and lead processing plant at Mueji.
The new facilities form part of a broader plan to increase Tetelo’s overall processing capacity from its current 4,000 tonnes per day to approximately 14,000 tonnes per day by 2030.
Expanding Copper Processing
Tetelo’s existing processing plant, commissioned in 2025, processes around 4,000 tonnes of copper ore per day.
The company is also planning a copper-plate manufacturing plant, which would allow Angola to capture more value further along the copper value chain rather than primarily exporting processed concentrate.
The expansion follows the mine’s start of production in October 2025. The initial project received an investment of approximately $250 million and was designed to produce around 25,000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually during its first two years.
Growing the Workforce
The expansion is expected to significantly increase employment at the operation.
Tetelo currently employs about 1,500 people, with the workforce projected to reach approximately 4,000 over the next four years as the project expands.
The company is also exploring a large, mineralised area covering approximately 9,000 square kilometres, with estimated reserves exceeding one million tonnes, creating potential for further development.
Strengthening Angola’s Base-Metals Sector
The expansion is significant for Angola’s efforts to develop its copper and broader base-metals industry.
Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo has highlighted copper’s importance to industries including energy, telecommunications, infrastructure and automotive manufacturing, while also pointing to opportunities for zinc and lead development in Uíge.
With additional processing capacity and planned downstream copper production, Tetelo is positioning itself as an increasingly important component of Angola’s strategy to expand mineral production, increase local beneficiation and diversify the economy beyond traditional commodities.
