By Ayomide Otitoju
The 2025 Angolan International Mining Conference (AIMC), held from October 22–23 at the Talatona Convention Centre, marked a significant turning point for Angola’s mining sector with the official launch of the Angola Digital Mining Cadastre—a pioneering platform aimed at transforming the nation’s mineral industry through automation, digitisation, and enhanced transparency.
The Honourable Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, officially opened the event, reaffirming Angola’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development in mining. “The Digital Mining Cadastre is a landmark step in modernising our mining sector, ensuring that Angola remains a competitive player on the global stage,” Azevedo stated. “This initiative is crucial for fostering an environment conducive to investment and sustainable development.”
The two-day conference drew over 1,000 delegates, including senior government officials, industry executives, and international investors, underscoring Angola’s ambition to become a top-tier investment hub in global mining.
Key highlights of AIMC 2025 included the announcement of Angola’s first underground copper mine—a joint venture between Angolan and Chinese partners—set to commence operations soon. The conference also showcased the integration of advanced traceability technologies designed to strengthen mineral certification and ensure the integrity of Angola’s exports from mine to consumer.
Paul Sinclair, CEO of Sankofa, the event’s international partner, praised the country’s collaborative approach. “By harnessing technology, we not only boost efficiency but also ensure that the benefits of mining reach all Angolans,” he said. “This conference is not just about dialogue—it’s about tangible progress and lasting partnerships.”
Engineer Emmanuel Saturnino, coordinator of the Digital Mining Cadastre’s technical implementation group, demonstrated the platform’s capabilities. “The system will streamline processes such as licensing, registration, and inspection, making them faster, more transparent, and secure,” he explained.
From a strategic standpoint, the digital transformation is expected to attract greater foreign investment by providing a predictable, transparent regulatory framework aligned with Angola’s broader goals of industrialisation and economic diversification.
José Dias of the Chamber of Mines of Angola emphasised collaboration as central to the nation’s mining vision. “Our goal is to position Angola as a destination of choice for mining investment, promoting sustainability, knowledge transfer, and technological innovation,” he said.
The conference also spotlighted the role of technology in responsible mining. Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council, stressed the importance of traceability. “Angola’s diamond story deserves to be told through transparency, evidence, and pride,” she said.
Minister Azevedo further announced plans to expand local mineral processing, including the establishment of diamond-cutting facilities and metallurgical silicon production. “We are committed to adding value to our raw materials here in Angola, creating jobs and driving economic growth,” he affirmed.
Closing the keynote session, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Daniel Matai, urged African nations to embrace regional collaboration and innovation. “This is Angola’s moment,” he declared. “Together, we can transform the continent’s mining landscape through technology and people-centred development.”
