Angola President João Lourenço will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba – to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, from February 5 to 8.

Lourenço’s presence marks a significant step of progress for Angola and its mining industry as the country seeks to increase investment and attract more companies to explore for the country’s potentially rich mineral resources.

Angola is the fourth largest diamond producer in the world, though much of its hinterland remains unexplored; the Angolan government has, in recent years, implemented regulatory reforms which have made it an attractive and best-destination country for foreign investors.

The result has seen diamond major De Beers sign two mineral investment contracts in 2022 for diamond exploration and mining in Angola, while other major players such as Anglo American, Rio Tinto and Ivanhoe Mines have also, more recently, invested in the Angolan minerals and mining industry.

Further, Angola is looking to diversify and expand its commercial mining potential beyond diamonds to include critical minerals and gold in particular, which will bring a significant change in context to its mining sector.

Junior developer Tyranna Resources is working to help Angola realise this vision as it looks to develop and start mining the country’s first lithium project by 2025.

In addition, magnet metals developer Pensana is working to develop Angola’s first rare earths mine by 2025. At this stage the mine will become Africa’s first large-scale neodymium and praseodymium rare earth mine with an expected target production of 46 000 t/y, which is 5% of global output.

The Angolan government says it is committed to provide an investor-friendly environment for those interested in exploring the potential of its minerals sector while also creating sustainable economic growth for its citizens.

The presence of Lourenço at Mining Indaba 2024 demonstrates this commitment, as well as his eagerness to promote international collaboration between business leaders keen on investing in Angola’s minerals industry.

The theme for Mining Indaba 2024 is ‘Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African Mining’.

The steps taken by Angola to encourage mining investment supports the theme of disruption and showcases the positive steps this African country is taking to attract greater investment in its mineral wealth.

Mining Indaba provides a platform for delegates from around the world with interests spanning across finance, technology, sustainability and energy – all essential components of the modernising mining industry – to meet.

Lourenço’s presence at the event will offer invaluable insights into how the industry can work together towards achieving collective goals and sustainable growth across the African continent.