Angola Launches Its First Major Copper Mine: Tetelo Set to Begin Production Next Week

Angola is set to make history with the launch of its first major copper mine, the Tetelo Project, which officially begins production on October 29. This marks a defining moment in the country’s ongoing effort to diversify its resource-driven economy beyond oil and gas, positioning Angola as a significant emerging player in Africa’s copper and clean-energy minerals landscape. The $250 million project, located in Luanda Province, represents a strategic partnership between China’s Shining Star International Group and the Sociedade Mineira de Cobre de Angola under their joint venture, Shining Star Icarus.

The Tetelo mine is designed to produce 25,000 metric tons of copper concentrate annually during its first two years, establishing a strong foundation for future expansion. Initially operating as an open-pit mine, Tetelo will transition to underground mining by 2026 to sustain long-term output and resource recovery. The project’s development has been underpinned by robust international collaboration, including an offtake agreement with Glencore, which will handle the global marketing and export of Tetelo’s copper output. The involvement of established global mining players such as Ivanhoe Mines and Anglo American, which are currently exploring additional copper prospects in Angola, underscores growing international confidence in the nation’s geological potential.

Copper’s strategic importance as a critical metal for the global energy transition adds to the Tetelo project’s significance. Demand for copper continues to rise due to its indispensable role in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and power transmission infrastructure. For Angola, this production milestone marks the beginning of a broader transformation toward a clean-energy mineral economy, complementing government initiatives aimed at attracting investment into diversified mineral resources, including lithium, rare earth elements, and manganese.

Speaking on the project’s inauguration, Angola’s Mines Minister, Diamantino Azevedo, described Tetelo as ushering in “a new era of mining diversification” for the country. The mine is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate regional development, and contribute to Angola’s export revenues while promoting skills transfer and local content participation. By establishing a large-scale copper operation, Angola is aligning itself with the continent’s leading mining jurisdictions and reinforcing its strategic role in supporting the world’s clean energy transformation.

Mini-Glossary

• Copper Concentrate: A partially processed form of copper ore, typically containing 20–30% copper, used as feedstock for smelting and refining.
• Open-Pit Mining: A surface mining method that involves removing overlying soil and rock to access ore deposits near the surface.
• Underground Mining: A method used to extract deeper mineral deposits through tunnels and shafts.
• Offtake Agreement: A contractual arrangement where a buyer agrees to purchase future production from a mining project, ensuring market access and revenue stability.
• Clean Energy Minerals: Natural resources, such as copper, lithium, and cobalt, that are essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.
• Diversification: An economic strategy aimed at reducing reliance on a single sector—such as oil—by expanding into new industries like mining and manufacturing.