Africa-Press – Angola. The inauguration and start of industrial production of the kimberlite of Luaxe, with estimated reserves of 350 million carats of diamonds, is scheduled for this year, a project that expects to increase annual production by more than 13 million carats.
Located in the eastern region of the country, between the provinces of Lunda-Norte and Lunda-Sul, the mine has a concession area of 1195 km2, in which Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, ENDIAMA EP and other national companies are shareholders in the project.
According to the Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Jânio Victor, everything points to the start-up of the mine before the end of this year, after successive postponements for technical reasons.
The announcement about the entry into operation of the Luaxe mine has been made since 2017.
Speaking to the press about the preparations for holding the VIII Extended Consultative Council for the sector, to be held from the 11th to the 12th of this month, in Uige province, the official said that the Luaxe mine is considered the “time one”, or that is, first line at international level.
“Just saying that the inauguration will possibly be this year, but when I still don’t know”, said the person in charge without giving dates.
But he assured that ENDIAMA technicians continue to work hard so that the inauguration takes place this year.
Angola’s bet is to position itself among the top three diamond producers worldwide.
With diamond production levels at around nine million carats a year, the sector is also committed to processing, cutting.
Currently, the sector has a Diamond Development Center in Saurimo, an initiative that has contributed to attracting and retaining value.
Other projects are around prospecting for copper in Uige province, for iron in Cassinga, an initiative that foresees having a steel industry to be built in Namibe province in the next two years, according to the Secretary of State for Mineral resources.
In addition to copper and iron, there are other licensed projects for prospecting for gold, with a project recently inaugurated in Buço-Zau, in Cabinda, where three more projects are expected this year.
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