Angola Calls for Global Alliance to Promote Natural Diamonds

Angola’s Mineral Resources Minister, Diamantino Azevedo, has called for unity among countries that produce natural diamonds.

He expressed this need during a meeting in Luanda. The goal is to counter the rise in synthetic diamond promotions.

Azevedo emphasized the need for improved environmental management and lower operational costs.

He argues that these improvements would make natural diamonds more attractive. Specifically, Angola is adding value to natural diamonds through cutting and polishing, he said.

Azevedo spoke at the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme meeting.

He stated that comprehensive actions are necessary, touching on environmental protection and curbing illegal mining.

“We are at a crucial time for the natural diamond industry,” Azevedo pointed out.

Background Diamond Trade

Angola’s diamond potential is enormous, largely untapped due to a history marred by civil war.

Since the conflict ended in 2002, exploration has slowly picked up. Companies like Alrosa see Angola’s potential, estimating its unmined diamonds to be around 1.5 billion carats.

This figure, if accurate, could significantly impact the global diamond market.

The country currently has four operational diamond mines, including the world’s fourth-largest kimberlite mine, Catoca.

With three more mines slated to start operations in the next five years, Angola’s production could rise substantially.

New mines also signal increasing investor confidence in the country’s political and economic stability.

Given the push for ethical sourcing in the diamond industry, Angola’s role in the Kimberley Process becomes even more crucial.

If managed well, the country’s diamond reserves could not only boost its economy but also set a standard for ethical diamond mining.

In summary, Angola’s untapped diamond resources and upcoming mines make it a key player to watch in the industry’s future.

How it navigates challenges like ethical mining and market competition will determine its long-term success.