Angola is set to begin production at its first major copper mine, the Tetelo project, marking a significant step in the country’s push to diversify its economy and reduce long-standing dependence on oil exports.
The Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, announced the development on Thursday, describing the project as a cornerstone in Angola’s broader strategy to strengthen its mining industry and attract foreign investment into non-oil sectors.
Valued at $250 million, the Tetelo Copper Mine is owned and operated by China’s Shining Star Icarus, and will begin production with an estimated annual output of 25,000 metric tons of copper concentrate during its first two years of operation.
Located in central Angola, the mine will initially operate as an open-pit site, with plans to transition into underground mining by the second half of 2026 as exploration and infrastructure development advance.
“This project represents a key milestone for Angola’s mining sector,” Minister Azevedo said. “It reinforces our vision to position the country as a leading mineral producer in Africa and to create sustainable jobs for our citizens.”
The Tetelo project is part of Angola’s broader initiative to expand its mineral portfolio, which includes iron ore, rare earths, gold, and lithium, alongside the continued modernization of its regulatory framework to attract more private sector participation.
Analysts note that global demand for copper—widely used in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and electronics—has created new economic opportunities for resource-rich African nations seeking to reposition themselves in global supply chains.
By launching the Tetelo mine, Angola joins other regional producers like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to leverage copper exports as a sustainable revenue source amid the global transition to green energy.
Minister Azevedo added that the government would continue to support infrastructure development, local content participation, and environmental safeguards to ensure responsible mining practices under the project.
With Tetelo’s commencement, Angola is poised to strengthen its position in the global minerals market while advancing its long-term goal of economic diversification and industrial transformation beyond oil.
