Key points
- With the new find, experts believe the country could be on the brink of unlocking a new kimberlitic province, further enhancing Angola’s role as one of the world’s foremost diamond producers.
- This Gems and Jewellery News report highlights that De Beers and Endiama will now embark on further drilling, ground-based geophysical surveys, and laboratory analysis to confirm the kimberlite type and assess the scale of its diamond potential.
- It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, and I commend President João Lourenço and his government for creating a business-friendly environment that made this possible.
Gems and Jewellery News: A Landmark Discovery in Angola
De Beers, the world’s most renowned diamond company, has unveiled a breakthrough that is sending ripples across the global gems industry. In partnership with Angola’s state-owned diamond miner, Endiama, the company has discovered its first new kimberlite field in more than three decades. The find comes after months of strategic exploration and advanced airborne surveys over Angola’s resource-rich terrains.
De Beers and Endiama mark a historic milestone with the discovery of Angola’s first new kimberlite field in over 30 years
Image Credit: De Beers
During the exploration phase, drilling successfully intersected kimberlite—the volcanic rock that hosts natural diamonds—at a high-priority cluster of targets. This Gems and Jewellery News report highlights that De Beers and Endiama will now embark on further drilling, ground-based geophysical surveys, and laboratory analysis to confirm the kimberlite type and assess the scale of its diamond potential.
Strengthening Angola’s Global Role in Diamonds
This milestone builds upon De Beers’ renewed engagement with Angola, marked by Mineral Investment Contracts signed in 2022 and a Memorandum of Understanding agreed upon in 2024. These agreements have established a long-term partnership grounded in transparency, international best practices, and sustainable exploration methods.
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers, emphasized Angola’s prominence in global diamond exploration, stating: “Angola is one of the best places on the planet to look for diamonds, and this discovery reinforces our confidence. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, and I commend President João Lourenço and his government for creating a business-friendly environment that made this possible.”
Local and Global Impact
Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, underscored the significance of the discovery during a recent address. He noted that the Lunda Sul province, where the deposit was found, already serves as the nation’s diamond powerhouse, producing almost 87 percent of Angola’s annual diamond output. With the new find, experts believe the country could be on the brink of unlocking a new kimberlitic province, further enhancing Angola’s role as one of the world’s foremost diamond producers.
Despite recent challenges posed by synthetic diamonds and market fluctuations, Angola’s production surged in 2024 to over 14 million carats. The discovery of a fresh kimberlite field adds optimism to the industry, suggesting stronger resilience and long-term prospects for Angola’s diamond sector.
What This Means for the Future
For De Beers, this is more than just a mineral strike—it represents a revival of pioneering exploration that has defined its legacy for generations. For Angola, it signals a promising era of investment, job creation, and enhanced global recognition in the gems sector. As further drilling and analysis unfold, the world will be watching closely to see whether this discovery will translate into one of the most significant diamond finds of the modern era.
The partnership between De Beers and Endiama demonstrates how collaboration between global corporations and local governments can unlock immense natural wealth in ways that benefit both sides. If the kimberlite proves rich in diamonds, Angola could secure its position as a cornerstone of the global diamond supply chain for decades to come.
This groundbreaking discovery sets the stage for a new chapter in diamond exploration and raises hopes for further breakthroughs in Angola and beyond. The anticipation surrounding the project reflects the enduring allure of diamonds and the relentless pursuit of uncovering nature’s hidden treasures.
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