The construction of the Ornamental Rock Development Hub in Namibe province officially began on Tuesday with the laying of the first stone.
The event was attended by the Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Janio Correa Victor, and the provincial governor, Archer Mangueira, who jointly led the ceremony. The hub, set to create approximately 400 jobs, is being developed by Telhabel.
According to a statement from the provincial government of Namibe, the project aims to stimulate the local economy, promote the region’s natural resources, attract more mining sector investors, and ensure integrated regional development.
The hub will be built “from scratch” in the municipality of Saco-mar, occupying an area of approximately 100 hectares.
It will include an ornamental rock valorization center for technological assessment and certification of mineral resources, a training center to equip young people with industry-specific skills, a clinic specializing in occupational disease treatment to improve worker health and safety, and a dry port to streamline the movement of products and inputs.
Governor Archer Mangueira emphasized that the project would showcase Namibe’s geological and mining potential, benefiting from the Southern Corridor’s infrastructure, including the Mocamedes Railway, the Namibe Sea Port, the Sacomar Mining Port, and the EN280 National Road.
He noted that these strategic routes would enhance the connection between mining production, industrial units, and export markets, solidifying Namibe’s position as a logistics and economic hub in southern Angola.
Secretary of State Janio Correa Victor highlighted that the project aligns with the National Development Plan (2023-2027), reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and increasing the value of Angola’s mineral resources.
He further stated that the project would bring substantial benefits, contributing to regional economic growth and improving the quality of life for local citizens.
The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas, is designed to concentrate companies in the ornamental rock sector within a single space.
This infrastructure will help reduce operational costs for investors in Angola. The hub will also include ornamental rock processing plants and provide support structures such as the valorization center and training facilities.
The hub, with an execution period of two years and seven months, is expected to require a state investment of around $1.6 million.