The Government of Angola has stopped issuing new licences for “research and exploration of mineral resources” in the country, media reports stated. This suspension is expected to continue until Angola’s  National Geological Plan  is ready for implementation.

The media reported that this was declared by the minister of Geology and Mining, Francisco Queiroz, at the 8th Joint Ordinary Session of  the Cabinet Council's Economic Commission and the Real Economy Commission. He said the Angolan government made the decision after the draft presidential decree to regulate unused licenses was approved.

The government believes that this measure will help it find out which licences are being used and which are not.  Apparently, over 2000 licences have been issued in the past, many of which have not been used. The government now intends to segregate extant licences into two lots – those which will remain valid even though there has been no activity following their issuance; and those that are deemed illegal and will be cancelled.