An Angolan leader in energy-sector waste management

Angola

Matuzalem Sukete, general manager of Angola Environmental Serviços (AES), talks to The Energy Year about the strategy behind the company’s rebranding and how the company has adapted to uncertainties in Angola’s drilling industry. AES provides environmental and integrated waste management services for the oil and gas and mining sectors.

What is the strategy behind the company’s rebranding?
In 2025, AES proudly celebrates 20 years of continuous operations in Angola. To mark this milestone, we embarked on a strategic rebranding journey aimed at aligning our identity with the evolving priorities of the energy and mining sectors, and more broadly, with the principles of ESG.
Historically, our motto was “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Today, we’ve added a fourth dimension: Rethink.” This reflects our commitment to innovation and adaptive thinking in response to today’s environmental challenges.
While oil and gas remains a core sector, we are expanding our environmental solutions into the mining industry, where the need for professional waste management and environmental compliance is equally critical. We are already engaging with companies in the hydropower sector, which is proof that our reputation and service quality transcend traditional boundaries. It’s a testament to how AES is contributing, directly and indirectly, across the ESG value chain.

How have you adapted to manage the uncertainties of drilling operations in the country?
Like many oil-producing nations, Angola is navigating the complexities of the energy transition. As drilling activity has declined from 30 active rigs during our last expansion phase to around 10 today, we’ve had to recalibrate our operational strategy.
Fortunately, AES anticipated these fluctuations. Our infrastructure was designed with scalability in mind and can support triple the current volume of activity. This ensures we remain efficient, prepared and responsive.
Drilling waste management remains the core of our services. We want operators to know they can drill with confidence, knowing that AES is equipped to manage the resulting waste in an environmentally sound and compliant manner. Angola’s development requires continued exploration, and we are ready to support it with the right environmental solutions.

What place does waste valorisation have in your business strategy, and how are you employing new technologies to reach your valorisation objectives?
Waste valorisation is central to our long-term strategy. By 2030, our objective is to valorise at least 70% of the waste we process. This includes reducing pollution, recovering energy and repurposing byproducts to reduce environmental burden.
We’re fully embracing digital transformation. Through digitising workflows, we are enhancing efficiency across all areas. Dedicated teams are leading this evolution.
AES invests heavily in research and development, often in collaboration with technical partners. One key differentiator is our drill-cuttings treatment technology, which allows us to recover synthetic oil instead of burning it, eliminating emissions and lowering operational costs.
Additionally, we strategically locate our facilities close to client operations. This reduces emissions related to transportation. Our incineration process further reduces waste volume by up to 95%, drastically cutting down the need for landfill disposal. In practical terms, 20 trucks of waste transportation are reduced to just one. This is the efficiency we bring.

What are some of the services that you can provide to the mining sector?
Our strength lies in addressing complex environmental and hazardous waste challenges particularly those involving materials such as NORMs [naturally occurring radioactive materials]. These substances can pose significant risks to both human health and the environment, and AES is equipped with the expertise and infrastructure to manage them responsibly.
While we remain focused on our core capabilities, we are also adaptable and eager to provide tailored solutions for the mining sector’s unique demands.

How do you plan to scale your operations in Angola and beyond in the coming years?
We are actively expanding our footprint. One major development is our acquisition of a 200-hectare [2-square-kilometre] site in Cabinda, which will serve as a strategic hub to support the new refinery and other services in the region. Currently, some companies are forced to transport waste long distances to the AES plant in Soyo, which is a costly and environmentally taxing practice that we aim to eliminate.
Regionally, AES has been invited to establish operations in several countries where oil exploration is gaining momentum. Our vision is to become a regional leader in environmental and waste management services across energy and extractive industries.

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