Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, has called on national companies in the mineral exploration sector to invest in the global energy transition, emphasizing the need to address the country’s current and future challenges.
During his visit to Cuanza-Sul, the minister highlighted the importance of exploiting natural resources sustainably to benefit the population.
Regarding the ongoing ban on quartz and gypsum exploration, Minister Azevedo clarified that the government has established a 189-day period to regulate sustainable practices and protect the country’s reserves.
These resources are crucial for the energy transition, and the government aims to promote local processing rather than export.
As global demand for these resources rises, the government is intensifying measures to safeguard them, ensuring that Angolan companies align with this global shift.
The energy transition requires infrastructure and equipment that support technological development. To this end, the government is relying on the Development Research Center (CPD) under construction in Sumbe.
Minister Azevedo emphasized that the CPD will enhance the Mining Resources, Oil, and Gas sector, driving technological advancement and enabling the local transformation of minerals into finished products, such as solar panels, fertilizers, and steel.
Angola possesses the mineral resources needed to develop infrastructure like refineries and steel industries, reducing reliance on imported goods.
Addressing concerns about Sonangol-EP’s strategic direction, Minister Azevedo stated that aligning the company with the energy transition involves reducing hydrocarbon production and increasing the transformation of mineral resources into finished products.
This alignment aims to stimulate economic growth and improve the well-being of the population.
The minister’s visit to Cuanza-Sul also focused on assessing the sector’s current state, raising awareness among companies, and strengthening local inspection efforts.
He stressed the importance of combating illegal exploitation and export of quartz, given its significance in solar panel production.
Minister Azevedo announced plans to establish a Technological Development Hub alongside the CPD. This hub will support national mining operators, boosting the electronics, mineral, and hydrocarbons industries.
The provincial governor of Cuanza-Sul, Mara Quiosa, welcomed the discussions with the minister, emphasizing the province’s potential for development across various sectors, including minerals, agriculture, and tourism.
