"We already have five basic metal prospecting concessions granted to a major prospecting company, Anglo American. We are negotiating with other large mining companies. We have signed the agreement for the iron ore exploration project and for the implementation of a steel mill in the Cassinga mining project," he told reporters on the sidelines of his participation in the International Mining Fair.
He also explained that other projects are underway. This is the case of gold production, "although still on a small scale". Prospecting for gold, copper, rare earths, cobalt, lithium, among others, is also being developed. The idea, according to the minister, is that these projects become mines.
As for his presence at the International Mining Fair, Diamantino Azevedo revealed that Angola's objective is to attract investors to invest in prospecting in the country.
The minister had already revealed, in the opening ceremony of the fair, that the mining sector will have a new administrative model. The novelty relates to the introduction of the National Agency of Mineral Resources to regulate the sector.
As for the marketing of diamonds, the possibility of creating a Diamond Exchange is being examined.
The idea is "to create more speed for the approval of investments in the sector, bring more transparency and make investors feel more comfortable," he explained, adding that he hopes the new model will be approved later this year.
