SourcingNov 19, 2021
Rio Tinto’s Now the Sole Owner of Canada’s Diavik Diamond MineSourcingDec 08, 2021
De Beers Wants to Look for Diamonds in Angola
The company said it has applied to conduct diamond exploration activities in the northeastern section of the country.
De Beers Group, which mines diamonds in South Africa, Canada, Botswana, and Namibia, announced this week it has applied for a license to explore for diamonds in northeastern Angola. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films)
London—De Beers Group announced Tuesday it has applied for permission to begin diamond exploration in Angola, where both Rio Tinto and Alrosa already have operations.
The company said it has submitted a Mineral Rights application and will begin discussions with the government to see if they can come to an agreement on a Mineral Investment Contract, which would set the terms and conditions by which De Beers would operate in the country.
Angola is in southern Africa, north of Namibia and Botswana—both countries where De Beers already has well-established diamond mining operations—and west of Zambia, which is known for its emeralds.
If De Beers is granted a license, Angola would be the only country in the world where De Beers, Alrosa, and Rio Tinto all have a presence, analyst Paul Zimnisky noted on Twitter.
Alrosa has a stake in the open-pit Catoca diamond mine in northeastern Angola in a joint venture with state-owned diamond company Endiama, while Rio Tinto is evaluating the Chiri kimberlite pipe, also in the northeast and in a joint venture with Endiama. Rio Tinto took a 75 percent stake in the exploration project in October.
Related stories will be right here …
The company said it has submitted a Mineral Rights application and will begin discussions with the government to see if they can come to an agreement on a Mineral Investment Contract, which would set the terms and conditions by which De Beers would operate in the country.
Angola is in southern Africa, north of Namibia and Botswana—both countries where De Beers already has well-established diamond mining operations—and west of Zambia, which is known for its emeralds.
If De Beers is granted a license, Angola would be the only country in the world where De Beers, Alrosa, and Rio Tinto all have a presence, analyst Paul Zimnisky noted on Twitter.
Alrosa has a stake in the open-pit Catoca diamond mine in northeastern Angola in a joint venture with state-owned diamond company Endiama, while Rio Tinto is evaluating the Chiri kimberlite pipe, also in the northeast and in a joint venture with Endiama. Rio Tinto took a 75 percent stake in the exploration project in October.
The troubles surrounding Angola and the country’s diamonds have made headlines in the past, including the corruption surrounding Isabel dos Santos, whom Endiama reportedly cut ties with in 2018, and, more recently, the spill from Catoca that polluted two tributaries of the Congo River.
In announcing its intention to begin exploring in the country, De Beers said there have been “substantive and consistent reforms” implemented by the government that allow its diamonds to benefit local communities.
“As a result of this—and with De Beers’ recognized Building Forever framework for creating lasting positive socio-economic impact for communities, our innovative FutureSmart Mining program that is transforming mining technologies to deliver a significantly reduced environmental footprint, and our proven track record of establishing responsible and mutually beneficial partnerships in the region—we look forward to positive and transparent discussions with government about the possibility of future investment,” CEO Bruce Cleaver said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
