The Angolan government has suspended, pending the implementation of the National Geology Plan, the issuance of new concession licences, research and operation on the mining resources of the country, reported Angola Press on 6 August.

The decision follows the approval of a proposed presidential order regulating the licences which remained non-operational for years, explained Francisco Queiroz (photo), Angolan minister of Geology and Mines.

It comes in a context where about 2,000 licences have been issued, with the majority not having been used for years, he stressed.

Mr. Francisco Queiroz added that this is a situation that greatly preoccupies the government, more so because over 1,836 licences have been awarded and are, for most, on the civil engineering and traditional production of diamond.