AIMC 2025 Speakers

Tim George

   CEO, Pensana Plc,
   United Kingdom

Tim holds an honours degree in Minerals Engineering from Leeds University and leverages over 35 years of broad experience across the mining, engineering construction and infrastructure sectors, largely in Africa.  

He initially spent a decade in production management at various Anglo-American Group operations followed by involvement in engineering design and feasibility studies in multiple base and precious metal projects. Previous directorships include several resource sector entities listed on AIM, OSE, STO and ASX where he fulfilled executive roles in multi-jurisdictional corporate management, capital raising and M&A activity. 

Tim has served as CEO of LSE listed Pensana Plc since 2019, with the goal of establishing an independent and sustainable rare earth processing hub on the back of production current construction of low-carbon footprint mining and beneficiation operations at the Longonjo Project in Angola. 

Diamantino Pedro Azevedo

   Minister of Mineral Resources,
   Oil and Gas

Biography Coming Soon

João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço

   President of Angola,
   Presidency, Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Oscar van Antwerpen

   CEO, Minrom, South Africa

Biography Coming Soon

Lizângela Clélia

   Stardiam, Angola

As an Environmental Engineer, I believe I still have much to learn and accomplish. I aspire to serve as an example and source of inspiration for other women, showing that it is possible to combine professional excellence with social and environmental responsibility.
Every day, I renew my commitment to environmental causes, shaping the way people perceive the delicate relationship between humankind and nature.
I am deeply passionate about everything I do and continuously strive to become a better version of myself — both personally and professionally.

Geraldine Máquina

   National Manager of Ozango
   Minerals, Angola

Biography Coming Soon

David Manocaca Bengani

   Executive Administrator, Port of
   Namibe-E.P

Biography Coming Soon

Neil Breslin

   Executive Director, AmCham

Biography Coming Soon

Veronica Bolton Smith

  CEO,  
  Critical Minerals Africa Group

Veronica is Founder and CEO of The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) a platform committed to
giving Africa and the companies operating within the African critical minerals ecosystem a seat at the
table when it comes to discussions around value chains and shaping policy.
Veronica holds a solid background of 20 years of Africa-focused trade and investment experience.
She brings extensive knowledge of African trade relations and has advised African heads of state on
their foreign direct investment approach to create and broaden opportunities for investment in
Africa. Veronica has advised and led Africa investment strategies for several FTSE 100 companies,
including De Beers, Anglo-American and Vodafone, among others.
Most recently, Veronica has been consulting for several corporate clients as well as
African governments seeking to create robust beneficiation strategies. Veronica recently supported
the Government of Ghana in attracting industrial investors into key sectors of growth, including the
Automotive, Pharmaceutical and Textile and Garments industries.
Veronica’s passion is to foster growth through trade and investment in Sub-Saharan African nations
and sees no better opportunity for Africa’s economic advancement than the development of strong
and sustainable critical minerals value chains. Veronica was recently recognised by the United
Nations as a Top 100 Most Influential Person of African Descent in Business. Veronica is an advisory
board member of Akojo Market, an Ambassador for the Halo Trust, a Trustee of Camara
International, a Non-Executive Director of ThirdwayCapital and CEO and Founder of The Critical
Minerals Africa Group

Rúben Brigolas

   Partner,    
   PLMJ Advogados

Partner at PLMJ Advogados, to the Angolan International Mining Conference 2025, where he will join the panel discussion on: “Above Ground Risk, Fiscal Terms, Governance, and Regulation.”

With deep expertise in natural resourcescross-border M&A, and project investment, Mr. Brigolas is a trusted legal advisor helping clients navigate Angola and Mozambique’s evolving regulatory and investment landscapes. His counsel spans the full lifecycle of resource-based projects, from deal structuring to risk mitigation.

John Magok

  Mineral Resources Development            Expert, African Union

Commission, to the Angolan International Mining Conference 2025. Mr. Magok is a powerful voice in Africa’s sustainable development
conversation — championing the Africa Mining Vision and shaping
continental policy frameworks for responsible mineral governance.

With a career rooted in environmental leadership, youth empowerment, and policy advocacy, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and grassroots insight to the global mining dialogue.

Maurice Madiba

   Head Primary Marke: Capital
   Markets Johnnesburg Stock
   Exchange

Commission, to the Angolan International Mining Conference 2025. Mr. Magok is a powerful voice in Africa’s sustainable development
conversation — championing the Africa Mining Vision and shaping
continental policy frameworks for responsible mineral governance.

With a career rooted in environmental leadership, youth empowerment, and policy advocacy, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and grassroots insight to the global mining dialogue.

Feriel Zerouki

   Vice-President of Trading and
   Industry at De Beers and
   President of the

   World Diamond Council,
  United Kingdom

Biography Coming Soon

Geert Klok

  President of the Chamber of   
  Mines of Mozambique (CMM),
  Mozambique, VP
of the Mining
  Industry Association of Southern
  Africa (MIASA), South Africa.

With decades of board-level experience and a career dedicated to strengthening Africa’s mining sector, Geert brings a wealth of expertise on navigating complex markets, improving governance, and managing investment risk. His work advising boards and investors across the continent provides valuable perspective on how collaboration and strategic decision-making can unlock Africa’s vast mineral potential.

Fernando Amaral

   Executive Director of Sodiam
   E.P

Biography Coming Soon

José Miranda

   Country Manager, Ivanhoe,
   South Africa

With an extensive background in
infrastructure management, strategic negotiations, and cross-cultural engagement, José Miranda is a distinguished leader in the mining and infrastructure sectors. Currently serving as the Angola Representative for Ivanhoe Mines, José is dedicated to advancing sustainable and responsible resource development. His mission is to drive transformative growth in Angola and the broader region, contributing to projects that are not only commercially viable but also socially and environmentally impactful.
José is a qualified and credentialed contract negotiator, having received training at the prestigious Harvard Business School. This rigorous education has honed his skills in strategic negotiations, enabling him to navigate complex agreements effectively and achieve favourable outcomes for all parties involved. His experience as an engineer and expertise in contract negotiation is a cornerstone of his approach to building partnerships that prioritize mutual benefit and long-term collaboration.
At Ivanhoe, José applies his expertise in new business development, stakeholder relations, and operational strategy to foster resilience and create opportunities within the mining industry. He is adept at building trusted partnerships with both local and international stakeholders, ensuring that the projects undertaken align with global best practices while delivering tangible benefits to local communities. His work is characterized by a commitment to ethical practices and a focus on long-term value creation, making him a pivotal figure in the advancement of sustainable mining initiatives.
In addition to his role at Ivanhoe Mines, José operates as an Independent Consultant
across Africa, where he has developed a reputation for his strategic and opportunitydriven mindset. His specialty lies in identifying and securing high-impact infrastructure
ventures—both public and private—that align with national development goals and foster private sector innovation. José’s collaborative approach is deeply datainformed, facilitating the development of pragmatic solutions that contribute to the long-term prosperity of the regions he serves.
Throughout his career, José has had the privilege of collaborating with government entities, private investors, and multinational organizations to implement solutions that enhance infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development. His unique ability to understand the nuanced needs of diverse stakeholders sets his work apart, enabling him to translate insights into effective, results-oriented strategies.
Fluent in navigating complex, multicultural environments, José thrives at the intersection of technical expertise, diplomacy, and strategic vision. His ability to lead initiatives that are positioned for long-term success is underscored by a profound commitment to creating positive social impact.
As a speaker at the upcoming AIMC – 2025 International Mining Conference, José Miranda will share his insights on sustainable mining practices, the importance of stakeholder engagement, and the critical role of infrastructure in driving economic development in emerging markets. His perspectives, grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the industry, promise to inspire and inform attendees dedicated to the future of mining and resource development.

Henda Esandju Inglês

   Chairperson of ENBI, SA and
   Expert in Financing and
   Investment
Attraction, Angola*

Biography Coming Soon

Antonio Pedro

   Former Executive Secretary
   UNECA

Biography Coming Soon

Mike Roberts

   Exploration Director, De Beers,
   South Africa

Mike Roberts is the General Manager for De Beers in Angola and has been with the De Beers Group for the past 25 years; all of which have been spent on various exploration programmes and strategic projects across India and Africa, including Angola, South Africa, Namibia, Gabon, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana and the DRC. Mike is an executive Director of the De Beers exploration companies in Botswana and Angola.  

Helena Francisco

   President, Ensa Seguros, Angola*

Biography Coming Soon

Olivier Delafoy

   Executive Director of Mining
   and Business, DRC*

Biography Coming Soon

Wael Jaber

   Vice-President: Mining and
   Metals Consulting, Wood
   Mackenzie, United
Arab Emirates

Wael is the Vice president: Mining & Metals Consulting at Wood Mackenzie, based out of Dubai, and brings over 19 years’ experience in the mining & metals industry.

Wael specializes in sovereign advisory and has supported several governments across Central Asia, Middle East and Africa in defining national mineral strategies to foster investment attractiveness, including: value-chain mapping & opportunities prioritization, fiscal regime modelling & optimization, value-addition & socio-economic impact assessment, institutional governance benchmarking & reform.

Wael started his career in Equity Research with GMP Securities in London. Subsequently, he has spent a few years in Management Consulting with Booz & Company and Process Improvement Consulting with Dassault Systemes in Dubai.

Wael holds a Masters in Metals & Energy Finance from Imperial College London, and a Bachelor in Mining Engineering from McGill University. He speaks French, Arabic, Spanish as well as English.

José Malanga

   Executive Director, ITIE,
   Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Eric Gomez

   Business Development Manager
   for Southern and Eastern Africa,
   BRGM,
France

Eric Gomez is currently Area Manager for Southern Africa in BRGM where he is in charge of developing cooperation projects in Southern Africa for the sustainable management of resources (groundwater, minerals and energy) and risks management related to soil and subsoil (natural and human-induced hazards). He is be also involved in AfricaMaVal and PanAfGeo projects to contribute to the development of new activities in Africa. 

With varied professional background, in engineering consultancies and then within BRGM, Eric Gomez has developed an executive experience in Geosciences (with track record in France and abroad), business development and management. 

Holding a PhD in Hydrogeology, he’s been working for more than fifteen years in the French Geological Survey, the BRGM. 

His permanent goals are searching value creation for partners or customers and fostering to develop high-stake projects in the field of Geoscientific cooperation or business projects and sustainable development in Africa. 

Estanislau Buio

   Executive Secretary, Kimberley
   Process Authority, Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Eliana Pereira dos Santos

   Country Manager, UN Global   
   Compact, Angola
   To be confirmed by
   MINTRANS/CFL, Angola*

Biography Coming Soon

Eng. Paulo Tanganha

   National Director of Mineral
   Resources, MIREMPET, Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Magda Chambriard

   Engineer and Chairman of the
   Board of Directors of Petrobras

Eric Gomez is currently Area Manager for Southern Africa in BRGM where he is in charge of developing cooperation projects in Southern Africa for the sustainable management of resources (groundwater, minerals and energy) and risks management related to soil and subsoil (natural and human-induced hazards). He is be also involved in AfricaMaVal and PanAfGeo projects to contribute to the development of new activities in Africa. 

With varied professional background, in engineering consultancies and then within BRGM, Eric Gomez has developed an executive experience in Geosciences (with track record in France and abroad), business development and management. 

Holding a PhD in Hydrogeology, he’s been working for more than fifteen years in the French Geological Survey, the BRGM. 

His permanent goals are searching value creation for partners or customers and fostering to develop high-stake projects in the field of Geoscientific cooperation or business projects and sustainable development in Africa. 

Gerard Peter

   Editor-in-Chief, Mining Review
   Africa, South Africa

Biography Coming Soon

Rómulo Mucase

   Chairman of the Board of   
   Directors of
Luele, Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Sebastião Gaspar Martins

   Engineer and Chairman of the
   Board of Directors of
Sonangol

Biography Coming Soon

Wilson Chimoco

   Economist at UCAN, Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Felizberto Mulhovo

   National Director, Tony Blair
   Institute for Global Change,
   Angola

Biography Coming Soon

Nuno Chaves Frota

   Legal and Compliance Director,
   Lobito Atlantic Railway, Angola

Nuno Chaves Frota is Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A (LAR). He serves as Chair of the Compliance Committee, Secretary to the Board, and a member of Executive Management. He joined the company in early 2024. 

With over 20 years of international legal experience, Nuno has held senior roles in both private practice and in-house across multiple jurisdictions. He began working in the commodities sector in 2012 as Senior Counsel for Africa at Trafigura. 

He is a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and qualified lawyer in Angola and Portugal. He holds a B.A in Law from UMAC in Macau SAR, of the PRC, a postgrad Diploma in International Commercial law and arbitration from Classica / University of Lisbon and a LL.M in Business Law from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. 

Zack Hartwanger

   Senior Commercial Development
   Africa Open Mineral, South Africa
   MINTRANS/ CFL*

With extensive experience across Zambia, DRC, Tanzania, Namibia, and South Africa, Zack sits at the intersection of mining, trading, and infrastructure. His expertise in building sustainable supply chains for critical and precious minerals makes him a key voice in the Lobito Corridor panel one of the most anticipated sessions of the conference. 

The Lobito Corridor is more than a transport route; it’s a gateway to regional growth, global investment, and responsible mining logistics. Zack’s insights will highlight how Africa can leverage this strategic corridor to strengthen trade and meet rising global demand for critical resources. 

Ana Serra e Moura

   Senior Consultant, Deloitte Angola*

Biography Coming Soon

Américo da Mata

   Executive Administrator, IGEO

Biography Coming Soon

Madla Mkhwanazi

   CEO, Manvin Resources*

Biography Coming Soon

Dr. António Zola

   Head of New Business
   Department, Catoca

Biography Coming Soon

Jose Severino

   President Industrial Association

Biography Coming Soon

Luciano Costa Dembue

   GGPEN

Biography Coming Soon