Luanda: The Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino de Azevedo, emphasized the need for increased efficiency in the processes of granting mining rights, asserting that the sector is equipped to significantly reduce the current timeframes.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister addressed this issue during the swearing-in ceremony of the reappointed members of the Board of Directors of the National Agency for Mineral Resources (ANRM). He emphasized the expectation of improved performance, particularly in terms of reducing the processing time for mining rights applications, all while adhering to existing legislation.
The minister indicated that the experience accumulated over the initial five years by the managing institution provides an opportunity for more agile operations, noting that it is not always necessary to adhere to the maximum legal time limits. "We can be faster and less bureaucratic," Azevedo remarked.
Furthermore, Azevedo urged operators to enhance the monitoring of research and production activities and to collaborate with sector entities to ensure full compliance with established guidelines. He stressed the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, advocating for educational approaches in various situations rather than purely punitive measures.
He addressed the stagnation of certain projects that should have been operational, calling for an examination of the causes and the implementation of appropriate measures. Among the sector's challenges, he pointed out the necessity of institutionalizing a digital mining registry, which he believes will aid in reducing granting times and improve project monitoring.
However, he cautioned that this transition would require a shift in mindset and a greater openness to administrative modernization.
