Angola’s state-owned diamond trading company, Sodiam, has acquired advanced equipment to track and certify the origin of its diamonds, according to Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Janio Correa Victor.
This move is part of Angola’s efforts to ensure greater transparency in its diamond sector, in line with its membership in the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) since 2022.
Speaking at the opening of a workshop on the Assessment and Classification of Mineral Resources and Reserves, which precedes the 2nd International Diamond Conference in Lunda Sul, Victor emphasized the growing need for transparency and compliance in Angola’s mining industry.
He noted that the sector is currently experiencing significant growth, and the new certification system aligns with international best practices and Angola’s internal legal framework.
José Ganga Júnior, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Endiama, Angola’s state-owned diamond producer, hailed the new traceability system as “extremely important.”
He explained that the device would help demonstrate to the world the origins of Angola’s diamonds, showing which mines they come from and how the diamond industry contributes to the country’s prosperity, employment, and solutions to social issues.
Ganga Júnior also pointed out that the equipment will play a crucial role in highlighting the value of natural diamonds over synthetic ones, acknowledging the growing competition from lab-grown diamonds.
During the event, a live demonstration showcased the capabilities of the new system, underscoring its significance in certifying the authenticity and ethical sourcing of Angolan diamonds.
