The Luele Mine, located in the Eastern region of the country, between the provinces of Lunda-Norte and Lunda-Sul, is expected to commence effective diamond exploration by the end of the year, as announced by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas on Tuesday August 8th.
While not disclosing the exact starting month for now, Diamantino Azevedo explained, in statements to the press at the conclusion of his assessment visit to the province of Lunda-Sul, that the exploration of this strategic mineral in the infrastructure covering an area of approximately 105 hectares out of the planned 190 ‘marks an important achievement for the strengthening of the country’s economy.’
During a guided visit, the ministerial delegation, which included representatives from ENDIAMA- E.P. and Governor Daniel Neto of Lunda-Sul as the host, examined the processing plant (CT), the Water Intake Station (ETA), the Rejects Depository Basin (BR), and other related areas.
Interacting with the teams involved in the mine’s infrastructure construction, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas praised ‘everyone’s engagement in a project that aims to generate wealth to enhance the lives of Angolans.’
With estimated reserves of 350 million carats of diamonds, the project, whose stakeholders include the Catoca Mining Company, ENDIAMA E.P., and other national enterprises, anticipates an annual production exceeding 13 million carats.
According to projections, the dimensions of the Luele mine reach a depth of 400 meters, with an estimated timeline of around 40 years to reach those depths.
Regarding the job opportunities offered, the venture will initially employ two thousand workers, mostly young individuals from the Eastern region of the country.
Meanwhile, Victor Waxale and Manuel Lupale, who already work in the project as assistants under contract, highlight significant changes in their families’ lives due to the salaries they earn.
The latter even mentioned that ‘reliance on small businesses in the past’ that allowed them to ‘survive’ now holds only ‘symbolic meaning’ compared to what ‘we can achieve here today.’
