Angola is ready to commence the construction of an oil refinery in the northern Cabinda province. This is after it received the landmine-free certificate which attests to the safety of the refinery site.

To begin the construction of the refinery, about 330 acres of land were cleared of landmines 30 kilometres of Cabinda city. The operation involved the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) staff and National Demining Institute (INAD) personnel.

The project involves a partnership between the independent investment management firm, Gemcorp, and a subsidiary of state-owned Sonangol, Sonaref, and is said to cost over $500 million. The plant is aimed at providing about 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in Angola.

The certificate was released on Thursday, 11th September 2020 by the Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Women Promotion who also doubles as the coordinator of the Landmine Clearance Commission, Faustina Alves.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive officer of Sonangol, Sebastião Gaspar Martins, said the release of the landmine site clearance certificate is one of the most significant stages of the project.

He said the refinery will process 30,000 barrels of oil a day in the first phase which will end in 2021. By the second phase, the refinery will process 60,000 crude oil barrels per day.

In the third and last phase which will be by the end of 2023, the Cabinda refinery will be capable of supplying the local and regional markets with diesel, fuel for aeroplanes and naphtha.

The refinery will boost Angola’s economy as the country currently imports most of the fuels it uses. It will also contribute to the country’s export.

The evaluation process for the refinery began in 2017. United Shine consortium will build the refinery. The consortium holds a 90% stake in the refinery while the national oil company’s subsidiary, Sonaref, holds the remaining 10%.