Manuel Halaiwa said that the operation was based on a complaint and some measures that are being taken by the SIC, within the scope of the protection of strategic mineral resources, because some companies "insistently" continue to try to clandestinely export this mineral.
At one of the terminals in the Port of Luanda, the containers were prepared to leave the country fraudulently, and the ownership of the merchandise was attributed to a national company.
"These individuals (...) did everything to have the containers ready for shipment at this port terminal. If it were not for the action of the SIC, these containers would already be on the high seas heading to the People's Republic of China", he stressed.
According to the SIC spokesperson, many irregularities were found, which resulted in the seizure of the containers.
Initially, the company said that they were samples for laboratory testing purposes abroad, said Manuel Halaiwa, considering that the allegations presented "do not hold up".
"Through a joint action with the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas (...) it was found that there is a total ban [on exporting] this product and that even if it were for that purpose, it would not be 100 containers," he said.
The officer stressed that each of the 20-foot containers carried 30 tons, totaling 3000 tons of quartz that would be exported.
"It is a highly sought-after mineral, with great value on the international market," said Manuel Halaiwa, emphasizing that the State saw the need to develop the local industry and add value to the product, benefiting the national economy.
According to Manuel Halaiwa, no one has been arrested yet, but all the elements that were part of the chain of this process have already been notified, to respond to the authorities and verify the degree of responsibility of each one "in this criminal action."
"This product must not leave the country in light of presidential decree no. 185/24, of August 14, which prohibits the export of this mineral. In other previous periods, there were seasonal authorizations," said the SIC spokesperson.
Quartz, a mineral mined mainly on the coast of Angola and in the interior of the country, is used in the production of solar panels, watches and cell phones.
This is not the first seizure, according to Manuel Halaiwa, who emphasizes that there are also interventions in some clandestine mines, because this exploration also follows a specific licensing process.
