Angola’s first large copper mine begins production soon economy

Angola’s Minister of Mines, Diamantino Azevedo, announced that the Tetelo mine – the country’s first large copper mine – will begin production soon, as part of the oil-rich country’s efforts to diversify its resources towards minerals related to clean energy.

The $250 million mine, owned by the Chinese company Shining Star Icarus, is expected to produce 25,000 metric tons of copper concentrate annually during the first two years of operation.

The first phase will begin with surface drilling operations, followed by underground mining operations starting in the second half of 2026.

“I am honored to announce the inauguration of the Tetelo mine within a few days,” Azevedo said during a mining conference in the capital, Luanda, adding that “this event will mark the start of production in the first underground mine for this vital mineral.”

Other companies, such as Ivanhoe Mines and Anglo American, are working on copper exploration projects in Angola, where copper, along with battery metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, is a key element in the transition to renewable energy.

Although Angola is historically known as an oil country, it has recently begun strategic steps towards diversifying its economy by investing in minerals related to clean energy, most notably copper.

The Tetelo mine is the country’s first major copper mine, and is located in the Moxico province in southeastern Angola.