Speaking on the sidelines of the launch ceremony of the International Mining Conference of Angola, held this Thursday in Luanda, the minister emphasized that, "in 2024, the country achieved the highest diamond production in its history, surpassing 14 million carats, a goal established at the beginning of President João Lourenço's second term," according to a statement from the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, to which VerAngola had access.
On the occasion, Diamantino Azevedo said that despite the challenges, it was possible to reach a "historic milestone."
"Even with the challenges caused by the drop in diamond prices and competition from synthetic diamonds, we managed to reach a historic milestone in diamond production," he said, adding that the sector remains resilient.
Among the advances, the minister mentioned the start of "copper production in the province of Cuando Cubango – the first time Angola will explore this resource since independence –, the investment in new mining projects, such as niobium," as well as the "positive pace" in the production of "marble, granite, iron ore, and manganese."
Diamantino Azevedo also "acknowledged that gold production has not yet reached desired levels," but assured that "several companies are in the prospecting phase and that the situation should improve in the coming years."
The minister also announced that "measures to enhance the value of mineral resources are underway, such as the ban on the export of raw quartz, promoting its local processing."
According to the minister, the processing plant is already operational, which is essential for "adding value" and generating more jobs.
"We already have a processing plant in operation. This is essential for adding value and generating more jobs," he said, quoted in the statement.
Regarding the social impact of mining, the minister highlighted the "generation of indirect jobs and the stimulation of the supply chain and logistics services."
"We often only look at the main indicators, but mining also boosts the economy on several fronts, from equipment sales to food services," the minister stated.
"We are in an industry subject to price fluctuations, but we are prepared to ensure continuity and growth," he added.
Chitotolo Mining Company projects production of 320,000 carats of diamonds this year
Frazão Ndumba, the mine's operations director, announced that the Chitotolo Mining Company expects to reach a production of 320,000 carats of diamonds this year, with a turnover estimated at over 180 million dollars.
According to the director, average monthly production ranges between 25,000 and 30,000 carats, and since the beginning of the year, the company has extracted approximately 180,000 carats of diamonds.
Speaking to Angop, the official indicated that production levels are in line with the established plan, ensuring that the company will reach its target by the end of the year.
"During the 29 years of exploration, it has been a great challenge because most of the best reserves are already being depleted, and marginal regions with low grades are currently being explored, which makes the challenges even greater," the official said.
Among other aspects, he also stated that the company is "committed to ensuring high production levels": "Chitotolo is committed to ensuring high production levels in order to stabilize, as it has great responsibilities towards workers and the economic and social development of the province, contributing to the increase in the General State Budget, through tax revenues," he said, quoted by Angop.
