Africa-Press – Angola. The director of the Office for Integrated and Economic Development, Felisberto Hisimongula, on Thursday underlined the need for mining entrepreneurs to invest in the exploration of ornamental rocks in the province of Cunene.
The official considered the level of mineral exploration in this region low, considering the existing potential of ornamental rocks, from green, yellow and white marble to red and black granite.
He highlighted the variety of precious minerals such as gold, copper, nickel, beryllium, quartz and iron, among others.
Felisberto Hisimungula considered mineral resources as an essential mechanism in the internal economy, driving the process of economic diversification that would have a great impact on the socio-economic sector of the region.
“Mining is an activity that has always had great economic potential and is essentially aimed at attracting investment, generating employment and income, and providing raw materials for various sectors of the economy,” he stressed.
The official added that the sector controls 23 companies dedicated to the exploration of ornamental rocks, of which only one (Angoston) is fully active in the exploration of white quartz.
In terms of productivity, he said that during 2024, the figure was 22,885 cubic meters of aggregates and two thousand and 504 tons of white quartz, whose export markets are China, Italy and Spain, compared to six thousand and 561 m3 of aggregates in 2023.
He also pointed out the licensing of 14 aggregate exploration companies, four of which are actively operating, located in the municipalities of Cahama, Ombadja, Cuanhama, Namacunde and Cuvelai.
The aggregates are being used in projects to combat the effects of drought in southern Angola, which are currently underway in the province.
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