Angola Boosts Mining Oversight in Huíla as Government Targets Illegal Mining and Advances Digital Licensing System
Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, conducted a working visit to Huíla Province this Monday, where he led a consultation meeting with operators in the ornamental stone sector.
The discussions focused on key industry challenges, including licensing procedures, sector registration, and the rollout of digital systems for mining administration.
The meeting took place in Lubango as part of the Technical and Scientific Days commemorating Angolan Mining Workers’ Day.
It forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize geological and mining activities under the National Development Plan 2023–2027.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (MIREMPET), the initiative reflects the Executive’s commitment to strengthening the mining sector as a structural pillar of Angola’s economy.
The event brought together senior officials, including the Secretary of State for Energy, Arlindo Carlos, representatives of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Stones of Angola (APEPA), as well as stakeholders from the Moçâmedes Railway, the Port of Namibe, and the Ministry of Finance.
Call for Stronger Governance and Investment Protection
Ahead of the meeting, Minister Azevedo was received by the Governor of Huíla, Nuno Mahapi Dala, where both officials discussed broader sectoral challenges, including the fight against illegal mining.
The minister emphasized that combating illegal mining is a shared responsibility across government institutions, stating that offenders must be held accountable under the law.
He also stressed the importance of improving concession management and strengthening investor protection to avoid project abandonment and to stimulate job creation in the mining sector.
“Illegal mining is unlawful, and those who engage in it must be held accountable,” the minister stated.
Huíla Positioned as a Strategic Mining Hub
Governor Nuno Mahapi Dala highlighted Huíla’s growing importance as a mining hub, particularly in the ornamental stone industry. He noted that the province’s reserves, geological diversity, and product quality position it as a key contributor to national economic development.
He further described the consultation as an important opportunity for open dialogue between government and industry stakeholders, aimed at identifying practical solutions to sector challenges.
Focus on Ornamental Stones and Industrial Development
The consultation, held under the theme “Ornamental Rocks: Value, Development and Sustainability,” addressed several operational concerns raised by industry players.
Key issues included transport infrastructure constraints and energy supply limitations.
Authorities also highlighted plans for the development of an Ornamental Stone Processing Hub in Namibe Province, which is expected to:
- Increase exports of value-added stone products
- Enhance state tax revenues
- Create new employment opportunities
Digital Transformation of Mining Administration
A central point of discussion was the implementation of the Digital Mining Cadastre of Angola (CMA), designed to modernize administrative processes and improve communication between investors and regulators.
The platform is part of Angola’s broader Digital Transition Agenda for Public Administration (2022–2027) and aims to streamline licensing procedures, improve transparency, and accelerate investor services.
Illegal Mining Remains a Major Concern
Despite progress in formal sector development, illegal mining remains a significant concern in Huíla Province.
The governor specifically cited cases in areas such as Humpopo in the municipality of Dongo, where unauthorized extraction activities continue in previously licensed zones.
He warned that inactive or poorly managed concessions often create gaps that facilitate illegal exploitation, resulting in:
- Loss of public revenue
- Environmental degradation
- Undermined sustainable development efforts
Towards a More Competitive and Sustainable Mining Sector
Minister Azevedo reiterated that building a competitive and sustainable mining industry requires collective effort from both public and private stakeholders.
The government’s ongoing reforms aim to strengthen regulation, improve infrastructure, and ensure that mineral wealth contributes more effectively to national development.
A follow-up visit to Chibia, also in Huíla Province, was scheduled for Tuesday as part of the minister’s continued field engagement with the sector.
