Since its creation, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca has been developing several social responsibility programs, which has already benefitted around 84,200 students, as a result of supporting 55 primary schools and 11 social institutions, by producing & distributing snacks consisting of milk and soy bread to all schools surrounding the mine, everyday considering the situation of poverty and social vulnerability in rural areas. Based on the results, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca recently signed a partnership, with the government of the province of Lunda Sul and Fundação Brilhante, consisting of four Strategic Social Programs, an action that certifies the reaffirmation of the company's commitment to economic and social development of the provinces of Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte, Moxico, and the country in general. The four social programs are of particular importance because they are a response to the difficulties faced by important fringes of society, namely children, young entrepreneurs, young students and rural women. Therefore, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, in the framework of its social responsibility, in partnership with the Fundação Brilhante , created programs called Aluno Catoca, Crédito à Mulher Rural, Estudante Catoca and, finally, Jovem Empreendedor.

These programs directly benefit 3,442 people, of which 224 are from Catoca Adémico, 1,500 Catoca Aluno, 1,638 Catoca Mulher Rural and 60 Catoca Jovem Empreendedor, in addition to planting 75 hectares of improved cassava land for around 500 people living in the communities of Mutoa, Fern, Monaquimbundo and Luaxe. The coordinator of Social Programs by Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, Marco Martins, underlined that the diamond company is proud to be a catalyst and active member of the economic and social development of the provinces of Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte and Moxico. For these programs the investment is around two million dollars annually, divided among various programs.

Since January 18, 2021, in order to have access to the programs, those interested must register in the Provincial Directorate of Youth, where they can also obtain more information. The selection process of beneficiaries is carried out by a commission that inc lude s Funda ç ão Brilhant e , Sociedade Mineira de Catoca and representatives of the provincial governments covered by the programs. The financial operation of the programs is carried out by Banco Sol.

Other Actions:

It is worth remembering that, among other contexts of action of Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, concerning Health, it is engaged in the construction of community medical posts, medical and drug assistance, support for medicines and health equipment. It also develops preventive health actions, with lectures and vaccination campaigns that reach 5000 people, including children, young people and adults.

In terms of education, they highlight the construction of seven schools for 2,800 students, with school material kits to support 20 schools for a total of 5,500 students, scholarships for higher education to five young students in the community, carrying out awareness campaigns, thematic lectures to 2,500 students annually, bus for daily transport for 110 teachers and provision of technical equipment for higher education institutions in Saurimo. Lunda Sul's Support Program for Social and Economic Development, which consists of a partnership between SMC and GPLS, aimed at promoting fish farming and cassava farming in communities. As an effort to fight poverty, it began in 2012, benefiting 2000 families in the commune of Monaquimbundo, municipality of Dala and Muconda.

About the Programs:

Estudante Catoca Program: It is a program designed for young students, so they can continue their studies, at the bachelor, masters and doctoral levels, inside and outside the country, allowing them to effectively and successfully complete their studies and contribute to the country's economic and social development. In short, it constitutes a partial scholarship, a financial contribution to support the payment of education expenses. It is expected to benefit 260 young students.

Aluno Catoca Program: It is a program that aims to contribute to the eradication of school dropout, creating conditions for more children to choose to attend school and with satisfactory results. This program, in a first phase, will consist of direct support to reception centres, supporting students for studies, accommodation and food. Expects to benefit more than 1,500 children.

Crédito à Mulher Rural Program is a program that is also an opportunity for rural women to formalize their activity, benefiting from all the incentives inherent in the different agricultural development programs, as well as banks and other organizations. In addition to microcredit, this program includes a set of training courses in subjects focused on agricultural productivity, entrepreneurship and financial education. Will benefit 1,600 women.

Jovem Empreendedor Catoca Program is a financing package designed to support young people with entrepreneurial initiatives, as well as arouse interest in others, in order to influence the creation of selfemployment through income-generating initiatives, contributing to the creation of essential products and services for the market, as well as for the increase in employability levels in the provinces of Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte and Moxico. It will benefit a total of 60 young entrepreneurs annually.

About Sociedade Mineira De Catoca:

Located in Lunda Sul Province, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca is the fourth largest open pit mine in the world, responsible for more than 75% of the country's diamond production. Today, with 26 years of existence, Catoca is the company that generates most jobs in the private sector in Lunda Sul Province, generating more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, a number that could rise with the begining of exploration in other projects, planned for the next years.