Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, defended the decision to replace Russia’s Alrosa as a partner in the country’s key diamond mining ventures, saying the move was initially misunderstood but ultimately necessary to protect national and sectoral interests.
Speaking at a diamond industry presentation on Thursday in Luanda, Azevedo acknowledged that the change “was not always well understood, including by Endiama itself,” referring to Angola’s state-owned diamond company.
He emphasized that Alrosa’s withdrawal — prompted by international sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — required “significant effort” by the government to ensure a smooth transition and safeguard the industry.
“We found a solution that satisfied all parties involved — the previous partner, the new partner, and ourselves,” he said, noting that allowing the value of key mines like Catoca and Luele to deteriorate would have harmed everyone involved.
“Life is made of moments and adaptations,” Azevedo added, “but above all, it must prioritize the interests of Angola and the Angolan people.”
The minister also addressed the rising challenge of synthetic diamonds, stressing the importance of reinforcing the value of natural diamonds in the global market.
“When there’s a gray area, someone will always exploit it. We must be the ones to highlight the unique value of natural diamonds,” he stated.
Azevedo emphasized that success in the diamond sector is not just about production but also about marketing and distribution.
“The business is not about producing — it’s about selling,” he said. This focus has driven Angola to launch diplomatic and commercial outreach efforts, including engaging with international certifiers, diamond exchanges, and prestigious jewelry houses like Tiffany & Co.
He also underscored the government’s investment in domestic diamond cutting, pointing to the development of the Saurimo Diamond Hub in Lunda Sul and plans for a new hub in Dundo, Lunda Norte.
However, Azevedo acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly regarding artisanal and illegal mining, which he criticized for failing to bring long-term benefits to miners.
As a solution, the government introduced a semi-industrial mining regime, but he admitted that the results have so far fallen short of expectations.
“We will intensify our efforts in this area,” he promised, calling for deeper engagement with local communities.
“We must do more for the communities surrounding our mining projects — especially rural communities, municipalities, and provinces. They must be part of this effort,” the minister concluded.
