Angola has identified 34 of the 54 critical minerals recognized by the European Union and is intensifying exploration, production, and downstream projects to unlock its mining potential.
The government is actively promoting investment across the critical mineral value chain to drive economic diversification and boost revenue from the sector.
Several mining projects are progressing across Angola. In January 2025, UK-based Pensana secured funding from South Africa’s Absa Bank to accelerate the development of the Longonjo Rare Earth Project.
The $325 million project is expected to supply 5% of the world’s high-grade rare earth carbonate, generate $6 billion in export revenue, and contribute $1 billion in tax revenue, supporting Angola’s efforts to diversify its economy.
Chinese mining firm Shining Star is set to begin production this year at the 40-million-ton Mavoio-Tetelo copper project in northern Angola, with an annual production target of 300,000 tons of copper—significantly boosting mining revenue.
Meanwhile, Australian company Tyranna Resources, in partnership with China’s Sinomine, is advancing multiple lithium projects in Angola. Ongoing drilling activities have identified additional reserves at the Namibe and Muvero lithium mines.
In addition, Ivanhoe Mines and Anglo American have launched exploration projects in the Moxico and Cuando Cubango provinces, signaling increased international interest in Angola’s mineral resources.
To enhance value addition in the manganese sector, Angola is developing a $250 million manganese-to-silica processing facility in partnership with Chinese firm ST New Materials, set to be operational in 2025. The country is also advancing steel production initiatives using iron ore from the Kasinga region.
