The Ozango Minerais project, focusing on the exploration of rare earth minerals in Longonjo, Huambo, is advancing into the construction and equipment installation phase, with operations expected to commence in 2026.
Tim George, head of an investor mission, made this announcement following a meeting with Huambo’s vice-governor for the Political, Economic, and Social sector, Angelino Elavoco.
George stated that work on the mine, situated 64 kilometers from Huambo city, is scheduled to begin eight months after June of the current year.
The project site boasts one of the largest mineral reserves in Africa, offering significant potential for economic diversification through mineral industrialization.
Upon full operation, the project is projected to create 600 new direct jobs, primarily employing local labor, along with numerous indirect opportunities. Over 50 percent of these jobs will be allocated to young people from Longonjo.
The project’s social responsibility component includes plans for road infrastructure improvement, support for agricultural production, and enhancements to energy and water supply in the region.
Vice-governor Angelino Elavoco emphasized the project’s importance for the economic and social development of Huambo province, positioning Longonjo’s mining investment as a catalyst for growth.
He highlighted Pensana’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to attracting both national and foreign investments, facilitating global-scale exploration initiatives.
The Ozango Minerais project, spanning 30 square kilometers in the Tchimbilundo mountain range, will extract raw ores essential for manufacturing ultra-strong and lightweight permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
This rare earth exploration project, often referred to as the “21st-century gold,” is a joint venture between Angolan public sector companies Ferrangol and Australian Pensana Metals Ltd, operating under the partnership entity Ozango Minerais.
