Luanda: Angola will begin mining niobium, a rare metal, this year, Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo announced in Luanda on Monday. Niobium is a rare and strategic metal used to strengthen metal alloys and steel. It is used in the aerospace, automotive, steelmaking and construction industries, as well as in the manufacture of turbines and medical equipment.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister revealed that the project, located in the municipality of Quilengues, Hula Province, had already been completed and was awaiting inauguration. The development has generated 1,000 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs, positioning Angola as a new player on the global map of niobium producers, alongside countries like Brazil and Canada.
The minister emphasized that niobium mining will contribute to generating foreign exchange and diversifying Angola's national economy. The USD 150 million project, implemented by Sociedade Niobonga, is expected to produce 8,000 tonnes of ferroniobium and 150,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid.
In addition to the niobium project, Diamantino Azevedo announced the expansion of the Uge copper mine, which will commence operations on Tuesday. This marks the first modern open-pit copper mine in Angola since independence, with the capacity to process 4,000 tonnes of raw ore per day, resuming copper production in the region after more than 50 years.
During his address, the minister urged sector operators to increase investments to surpass Angola's target of producing one million barrels of oil per day. He noted that while the country had tendered 72 oil blocks over the past nine years, tangible results would require time and continued investment.
