Angola to Inaugurate Its First Major Copper Mine
Angola to Inaugurate Its First Major Copper Mine
The Mavoio copper mine in northwestern Uíge province will be launched on October 29, marking the country’s first major copper mining operation in decades, the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas announced on its official social media page on Wednesday.
The Mavoio project, operated by China's Shining Star Icarus, represents an investment of over $250 million and covers an area of 2,000 km².
After more than 50 years of inactivity, the mine will restart copper production with an initial capacity of 2,500 tonnes per day through open-pit operations.
The project is expected to employ more than 1,000 workers, the majority of whom will be Angolan, while stimulating both the local and national economy.
Complementary works include the construction of roads, ravine containment systems, and technical training centers, which will support regional development and sustainability efforts.
Other key points from the ministry’s statement include:
Angola is expanding the value chain of precious stones and metals, with a new Endiama-run gold refinery to boost local jewelry production.
The country stopped exporting raw quartz and now produces metallic silicon, aiming to develop polysilicon and solar-equipment industries within five years.
The sector is training 1,311 students to strengthen technical and scientific capacity in key areas.
Angola and Sierra Leone are advancing joint commitments under the Kimberley Process and African Mining Vision to add value to Africa’s minerals.
There are 428 licensed companies engaged in mineral prospecting and exploration nationwide.
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