Angola is positioning itself as a key global exporter of value-added critical minerals over the next decade, and its growing potential will take centre stage at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025. The premier mining event, scheduled for October 1-3 in Cape Town, will highlight Angola’s expanding mining sector and investment opportunities.
The southern African nation has identified 34 of the 54 critical minerals recognised by the European Union and is accelerating exploration, production, and downstream projects to unlock its mineral wealth. The government’s strategy aims to diversify the economy and increase revenue from the mining sector by promoting investments across the critical mineral value chain.
Several large-scale mining projects are already underway. In January 2025, UK-based Pensana secured funding from South Africa’s Absa Bank to advance the $325 million Longonjo Rare Earth Project. Expected to supply 5% of the world’s high-grade rare earth carbonate, the project is projected to generate $6 billion in export revenue and $1 billion in tax contributions.
Meanwhile, Chinese firm Shining Star is set to begin production at the 40-million-ton Mavoio-Tetelo copper project, with an annual output target of 300,000 tons of copper. Australian company Tyranna Resources, in partnership with China’s Sinomine, is progressing with lithium mining at the Namibe and Muvero projects, while Ivanhoe Mines is conducting copper exploration in Angola’s Moxico and Cuando Cubango provinces.
In addition, Angola is investing in value-added mineral processing. A $250 million manganese-to-silica processing facility, developed with China’s ST New Materials, is expected to be operational in 2025. Plans are also in place to establish steel production using iron ore from the Kasinga region.
AMW 2025, hosted alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy, will offer a platform for global investors, industry leaders, and Angolan stakeholders to explore collaboration opportunities. The event will feature panel discussions, project showcases, and exclusive networking sessions, reinforcing Angola’s role in the global critical minerals market.
