Angola has ruled out the immediate legalisation of artisanal gold mining, reinforcing its position that the sector must be strictly regulated rather than formalised under current conditions.
The decision was outlined in a report published by ANGOP on June 25, 2026, following remarks by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo.
The minister stressed that the Government is focused on developing a more structured framework for gold extraction, warning that Angola must avoid repeating challenges experienced in the artisanal diamond sector, where regulatory weaknesses have previously led to uncontrolled exploitation and illicit activity.
Instead of legalisation, authorities are considering a controlled semi-industrial mining model aimed at improving oversight, protecting national resources and limiting illegal mining operations. The government also emphasised the environmental, health and security risks associated with unregulated artisanal mining, including pollution, illegal migration, and unsafe working conditions.
Officials further indicated that traditional authorities and local stakeholders will be engaged in efforts to curb illegal mining activities, as part of broader reforms to strengthen governance in the extractive sector.
The policy direction reflects Angola’s wider strategy to formalise mineral exploitation through stronger enforcement, tighter licensing systems and enhanced regulatory control rather than immediate decriminalisation of artisanal gold mining.