Angola has reiterated its ambition to become the world’s second-largest diamond producer by 2030, a target the government says will be driven by structural reforms, investment attraction and strategic partnerships with leading international mining companies. The commitment was delivered in Singapore by Secretary of State for Mineral Resources Jânio Corrêa Victor at the 41st World Diamond Congress of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (MIREMPET), Corrêa Victor underscored that Angola currently ranks third globally in diamond output by both volume and value, and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to building a diamond industry grounded in transparency, sustainability and community value creation.
Corrêa Victor identified the Luele mine in Lunda Sul province as the primary engine of Angola’s production growth, and highlighted the potential of the future Chiri mine — also in Lunda Sul — which has emerged from a joint venture between state diamond company Endiama and British mining giant Rio Tinto, the latter holding a 75% stake against Endiama’s 25%. Formalised in April this year, the Sociedade Mineira do Chiri is developing what is considered the country’s third-largest kimberlite pipe, behind only Luaxe and Catoca, and is expected to push national output well above the current annual level of 15 million carats.
The Secretary of State also reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to transparency and traceability across the diamond value chain, citing the country’s participation in the Kimberley Process, its adherence to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and its partnership with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). “A diamond mined in Angola, certified by the Kimberley Process, verified by EITI, traded through the Angola Diamond Bourse and sold by a WFDB member represents a value and custody chain that no synthetic alternative can replicate. Angola is committed to building it, protecting it and sharing it with all members of this Federation. We look forward to a lasting partnership,” he said.
The social impact of natural diamonds was another central theme of Corrêa Victor’s address. He highlighted the sector’s contribution to employment, vocational training and the development of producing communities, drawing attention to the role of the Fundação Brilhante and the Saurimo Diamond Development Pole in generating added value and enabling local diamond processing. On the commercial front, he pointed to the Angola Diamond Trading Company (Sodiam) as a strategic instrument for reinforcing traceability and transparency in the marketing of Angolan diamonds, and reiterated the country’s commitment to the Luanda Agreement, under which Angola contributes 1% of rough diamond revenues to the international promotion of natural diamonds.
Closing his address, the Secretary of State invited the global diamond community to attend the International Mining and Diamond Conference to be held in Luanda in November, reaffirming Angola’s pledge to foster a more transparent, sustainable and development-oriented industry.
Source: Mercado
