KEY POINTS
- Angola, the world’s fifth-largest diamond producer, is diversifying its mineral sector with resources like black granite, cassiterite, rare earth elements (REEs), and phosphates.
- Rich cassiterite and REE reserves position Angola to tap into the growing demand for critical minerals in green and electronic technologies.
- Government drives strategic investments, reforms, and surveys to boost Angola’s global mining position.
Angola is emerging as a major mineral powerhouse on Africa’s southwestern coast, extending its wealth beyond diamonds. The country, known for its vast diamond reserves of around 180 million carats, solidified its position in the global diamond market in 2023, producing 9.75 million carats valued at over $1.53 billion. However, Angola’s ambitions go beyond diamonds, aiming to diversify its economy and expand its mineral portfolio.
The government’s strategic investments, reformed regulations, and comprehensive geological surveys highlight Angola’s commitment to unlocking its mineral potential. Beyond oil and diamonds, the focus is shifting towards lesser-known but valuable minerals like cassiterite, black granite, rare earth elements (REEs), and phosphates. This effort aims to reshape the country’s economy and position Angola as a key player in the global mining sector.
With increased exploration and investment, Angola is revealing its hidden mineral wealth to the world, setting the stage for a more diversified and prosperous future.
Miner.Africa explores five key minerals transforming Angola’s economic landscape.
- Angolan Diamonds: Diamonds remain the backbone of Angola’s mining identity. In 2023, Angola produced nearly 9.8 million carats worth $1.53 billion, solidifying its place as the world’s fifth-largest diamond producer. The Catoca mine, one of the largest kimberlite mines globally, anchors this industry with over 7 million carats produced annually. Angola’s diamonds are prized for their round shapes and unique medium to yellowish colors, often featuring large Type IIa stones free from nitrogen impurities.
- Cassiterite: Angola holds significant deposits of cassiterite, a key ore of tin crucial for electronics manufacturing. Major reserves in Huambo and Uíge suggest vast untapped potential. With global demand for tin surging, Angola stands to diversify its mining portfolio, moving beyond its reliance on diamonds and oil.
- Black Granite: Angola’s black granite, extracted mainly from Huíla and Namibe provinces, is gaining global recognition for its depth of color and durability. Its rich aesthetic and quality have positioned it as a sought-after luxury construction material, bolstering Angola’s growing presence in the global minerals market.
- Rare Earth Elements: Angola is home to rare earth elements (REEs) like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium, essential for green technologies such as electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. With increasing global focus on sustainable energy, Angola’s entry into the REE sector could be a transformative step in establishing the country as a crucial supplier in the global supply chain.
- Phosphates: In addition to its metal and gemstone wealth, Angola has significant phosphate reserves in the Cabinda province. As global focus shifts towards food security and agricultural productivity, these phosphate deposits offer Angola the opportunity to boost local and regional agriculture, solidifying its presence in the agricultural minerals market.