Angola’s geology supports a wide range of mineral resources that have shaped regional economies and attracted both local and international interest. From long-standing diamond production to newer exploration targets, mining activity is changing as companies reassess deposits and infrastructure improves, making the country worth a closer look.
There are 11 Minerals in Angola, ranging from Cobalt to Phosphate. For each entry the Province(s),Mine/Project & operator,Production (t/yr or status) are shown — you’ll find below.
How are these minerals distributed across Angola’s regions?
Distribution is uneven: some provinces host multiple commodities while others have only exploration targets. The table below links each mineral to its province(s) and project/operator so you can quickly see regional clusters and which areas have active production versus development or exploration status.
Can this list help me evaluate investment or research priorities?
Yes — the Production (t/yr or status) column combined with operator and province information gives a snapshot of activity and scale, but use it as a starting point: verify recent company reports, regulatory changes, infrastructure constraints, and environmental-social considerations before making investment or research decisions.
Minerals in Angola
| Mineral | Province(s) | Mine/Project & operator | Production (t/yr or status) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Lunda Sul,Lunda Norte | Catoca (Catoca JV); Lulo (Lucapa Diamond Company) | Producing |
| Iron ore | Huíla | Cassinga Iron Ore Project (rights held by Ferrangol/Angolan state interests) | Development |
| Gold | Lunda Norte,Lunda Sul,Cuando Cubango | Artisanal and small‑scale miners; local exploration companies | Producing (artisanal)/Exploration |
| Copper | Moxico,Malanje,Huambo | Various exploration projects; small operators | Exploration/Small‑scale |
| Cobalt | Moxico,Malanje | Associated with copper exploration projects (various small operators) | Exploration/Prospective |
| Phosphate | Namibe,Benguela | Exploration projects and government studies (various groups) | Exploration/Development |
| Manganese | Huíla,Moxico | Small deposits reported; exploration by local and foreign companies | Exploration/Small‑scale |
| Ilmenite & Rutile (heavy minerals) | Namibe,Benguela,Luanda coast | Coastal heavy‑mineral targets; exploration companies active | Exploration/Prospective |
| Marble & dimension stone | Huíla,Benguela,Bié | Multiple local quarries; local operators and contractors | Producing (local quarries) |
| Limestone | Huíla,Benguela,Luanda | Cement plants and quarries (various national companies) | Producing |
| Emerald & other gem beryl | Lunda Norte,Lunda Sul | Small artisanal and junior exploration operations | Producing (artisanal)/Exploration |
Images and Descriptions
Diamond
Angola’s flagship mineral, mined from kimberlite and alluvial deposits in the Lundas. Catoca is a major kimberlite producer; Lulo is a high‑value alluvial operation. Diamonds drive export revenue and artisanal employment across mining districts.
Iron ore
High‑grade Cassinga iron ore was mined historically and remains Angola’s principal iron deposit. Located in Huíla, Cassinga has attracted periodic redevelopment plans; infrastructure and port access remain key constraints to large‑scale revival.
Gold
Gold occurs in alluvial and hard‑rock settings, especially in the Lundas. Most production is artisanal, with growing interest from junior explorers. Gold is locally important for livelihoods and attracting small investor activity.
Copper
Copper occurrences have been reported in eastern and central provinces with historical and recent exploration. No large modern mine is operating; copper is a target for exploration due to regional potential and intermittent junior company activity.
Cobalt
Cobalt in Angola is typically associated with copper occurrences in eastern provinces. It is mostly at exploration stage; interest has grown because cobalt is critical for batteries, but commercial production is limited so far.
Phosphate
Sedimentary phosphate occurrences are documented along the southwest, notably Namibe and Benguela. Phosphate could support domestic fertilizer production; projects have been studied but large‑scale exploitation is still under development.
Manganese
Manganese occurrences are reported in several provinces and are of interest for steel and battery markets. Most are small or under exploration, with no large contemporary export mines operating at scale.
Ilmenite & Rutile (heavy minerals)
Angola’s Atlantic coast hosts heavy‑mineral sands with ilmenite, rutile and zircon reported in surveys. These sands are prospective for titanium and zirconium minerals; commercial projects require coastal processing and investment.
Marble & dimension stone
Angola has abundant dimension stone including marble and granite used domestically and for limited export. Quarries are small to medium scale, supplying construction and architectural markets with potential for value‑added processing.
Limestone
Widespread limestone resources feed domestic cement manufacture and construction industries. Multiple quarries supply local cement plants; limestone is strategically important for infrastructure and local industrial development.
Emerald & other gem beryl
Gemstones such as emerald and beryl have been reported in the Lundas alongside diamond geology. Gem occurrences are mostly exploited by artisanal miners and small operators, attracting niche gemstone markets and collector interest.
