The Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas (MIREMPET) stated, last week, in Luanda, that the Executive will continue to prioritize the carrying out of geological research, aiming to maximize profits in the various subsectors of the Extractive Industry.
Diamantino Azevedo, who was speaking during the New Year’s greetings ceremony, highlighted that the research had a significant impact on the efficiency of prospecting and exploration projects carried out in 2023, especially in the diamond sector.
“This important work was fundamental for carrying out prospecting work that culminated in the completion of the Yetwene (Lunda-Norte) and Luele (Lunda-Sul) projects, which are expected to significantly increase diamond production in the country,” he detailed.
On the other hand, the minister foresees, soon, the entry into operation of the Angola Diamond Exchange, at a time when, as he assured, the institution already has temporary facilities, combined with the fact that there are currently eight cutting factories in the country , four of which are located in the Saurimo Diamond Development Pole, and the same number in Luanda.
With regard to gold extraction, the minister mentioned the inauguration of the Buco Zau and Lufo projects, in Cabinda, as well as the “thorough monitoring and inspection of the Chipindo and Chicuamone projects, in Huíla”.
As for iron ore, Diamantino Azevedo valued the opening of the first pig iron production factory, located in the municipality of Cuchi, Cuando Cubango province, belonging to the Angolan Companhia Siderúrgica do Cuchi.
The prospecting and exploration projects for copper, niobium, manganese, phosphate, lithium, rare earth minerals and the construction of the Gold Refinery in Luanda also stood out among the actions successfully carried out by MIREMPET.
Photovoltaics
The inauguration and entry into operation of the first phase of the Caraculo Photovoltaic Plant in the province of Namibe (with a production capacity of 25 megawatts), the result of a partnership between Sonangol and Azule Energy, constitutes one of the most important steps achieved in the field of clean energy in 2023, according to Diamantino Azevedo.
Along the same path, according to the portfolio holder, is the laying of the first stone of the Photovoltaic Plant, with capacity to produce 100 megawatts, to be implemented in the province of Huíla, in a partnership between Sonangol, TotalEnergies and a national private company.
“Sonangol and its partners continue with studies for the implementation of a green hydrogen factory, to be built in Barra do Dande, with capacity to produce 280 thousand tons of ammonia per year”, he informed.
The Angolan Government, concluded the minister, “defends a fair, inclusive energy transition that guarantees the continuity of hydrocarbon exploration and production activities, as well as the use of financial resources arising from their commercialization for the development of the economy and consequent improvement of living conditions of our populations”.
Leaving OPEC was not a last-minute thought
The subject of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was also very relevant. The minister stated that Angola’s decision to withdraw from the cartel, as of January 1, 2024, and the submission of the first report to the Secretariat of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) were two notable events that marked last year.
The MIREMPET portfolio holder highlighted “unanimous decision-making and the establishment of production quotas that call into question our real production capabilities and needs”, among the reasons that dictated the firmness of leaving OPEC
As for the Extractive Industry International Transparency Initiative, on December 15, 2023, Angola submitted its first report within the standards recommended by the organization.
bwa, Namibe province, as part of actions to combat vandalism of public property.
The ban was decreed by the Provincial Multisectoral Commission to Combat Vandalism of Public Assets, as it boosts vandalism in this community.
