Angola is set to increase the production of ornamental rocks following the opening of the Namibe Industrial Park, according to Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo.
Speaking on Monday, April 27, in Luanda at the closing ceremony marking Angolan Mining Workers’ Day, held at the Belas Conference Centre, the Minister said the industrial park is being prepared to attract private sector investment in processing facilities, aimed at expanding domestic production capacity.
He noted that Angola has already recorded significant growth in the production and processing of ornamental stones, with existing plants in operation. However, he stressed the need to further scale up value addition within the sector.
On gold mining, the Minister described large-scale operations as a relatively recent development since independence, adding that efforts are underway to increase production capacity.
He also raised concern over illegal diamond and gold mining, stating that the government is responding with a combination of educational initiatives and enforcement measures. These include job creation in mining regions and tighter controls on illegal immigration, aimed at reducing illicit activity.
The event brought together more than 800 stakeholders from the mining sector, reflecting the government’s broader push to strengthen governance and industrialisation within Angola’s extractive industries.