Endiama, the national diamond company, will use TECH-Minas, an unprecedented tool created in Angola, to monitor mining activity and the “alarming” problem of mining, announced the president of the company’s board of directors.
Jose Ganga Júnior stated that TECH-Minas facilitates the monitoring and surveillance of mining activities, performance levels, as well as security issues in the areas.
“The mining industry, which presents alarming environmental problems and ecological disasters, can be observed from our office almost in real-time.
This allows us to promptly identify any unauthorized incursions into our areas and make more informed decisions,” he explained.
According to Endiama’s CEO, the battle against illegal mining is crucial, and TECH-Minas is a valuable tool that enables remote monitoring and incisive intervention.
He also emphasized that this tool, developed by the National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN) in collaboration with local partners like Endiama and international institutions, will promote growth and improve efficiency while reducing costs.
Jose Ganga Júnior highlighted that Endiama will continue using planes and helicopters for geophysical surveys.
TECH-Minas complements these activities, enhancing their effectiveness. “In the initial stages of mining activities, during the research phase, we utilize satellite data to assess the tectonic structure of the areas we plan to work in.
Subsequently, aerial surveys are conducted before sending teams to perform terrestrial geophysics in the field,” he added, emphasizing the cost savings associated with this approach.
Regarding subcontracting, Endiama’s CEO mentioned that some companies used to hire such services abroad, often in Russia.
However, with TECH-Minas and the ability to pay in the local currency (kwanzas), it is now more convenient and cost-effective.
“While commercial proposals may vary based on the scope of the project, there is no doubt that this approach will result in significant cost savings, including exchange rate benefits,” he noted.
Endiama has already implemented TECH-Minas in the Gamacanda and Luaxime projects, both of which are prospecting areas. These developments are part of Endiama’s ongoing efforts to expand its operations.
Currently, the mining sector in Angola includes 16 companies in the production phase with approximately 40 projects in the prospecting stage, as per Jose Ganga Júnior. However, he considers this number to be insignificant compared to the country’s vast mining potential.
Vangillys Pereira, the deputy director for technical and scientific affairs at GGPEN, mentioned that TECH-Minas leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience.
