Between 2019 and 2024, Angola significantly expanded its diamond cutting industry by opening eight new cutting factories.
These include the Stone Polished Diamond factories in Luanda, with a combined processing capacity of 24,000 carats per year, KGK (60,000 carats/year), and Pedra Rubra (60,000 carats/year).
At the Saurimo Diamond Development Pole (PDDS), KGK opened additional factories with a capacity of 180,000 carats per year, alongside Stardiam (72,000 carats/year), Kapau Gems (54,000 carats/year), Pollaro (60,000 carats/year), and Robust Diam (96,000 carats/year). These facilities have collectively generated 456 jobs.
The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas has outlined a strategic program to build 19 new cutting factories at the Saurimo Diamond Development Pole, managed by Sodiam, and 10 additional factories in Lundas Norte and Sul, overseen by Endiama. The program also includes the construction of the Dundo Diamond Cutting Center.
In terms of gold production, Angola aims to produce 13,180 final ounces over the next five years. Last year, the country produced 1,247 final ounces, with expectations to reach 4,680 ounces this year.
Currently, there are five small-scale production projects operating in Chicuamone, Chipindo, and Mapele (Huíla), Buco-Zau, and Lufo (Cabinda). Additionally, three mining development projects are underway with Lombe Mining in Cabinda, Mpopo, and IMA in Huíla.
The country has 38 prospecting projects across its 18 provinces, with total investments valued at $120 million. Key regions include Cabinda (seven projects), Huíla (five), Huambo (five), and Bengo (four). Plans are in place to construct a gold refinery in Luanda next year.
Diamonds
Angola aims to produce 14.6 million carats of diamonds this year, surpassing last year’s output of 9.77 million carats. According to the Strategic Program of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas for 2023-2027, the goal is to achieve 17.5 million carats by 2027. Production is expected to reach 15.1 million carats next year and 16.2 million carats by 2026.
Due to a successful production increase in 2023, Angola was ranked as the 4th largest diamond producer globally. This boost was driven by the commencement of the Yetwene diamond projects in Lunda-Norte and Luele in Lunda-Sul. The MIREMPET Strategic Program highlights that the Luele project will be crucial for increasing production between 2024 and 2027, with an estimated annual output of five million carats.
Quarries and Metals
In 2023, Angola produced 200,000 cubic meters of ornamental rocks from 47 active quarries. Over the next five years, the country plans to increase this to 235,000 cubic meters, expanding quarry operations and developing the Ornamental Rocks Development Pole in Namibe.
For ferrous metals, Angola produced 45,242 metric tons of pig iron in 2023, exporting 19,500 metric tons. Production in the current year totaled 12,987 metric tons, with exports reaching 24,679 metric tons. Manganese production fell to 5,310 metric tons last year, a significant decrease from 47,000 metric tons in 2021 and 73,570 metric tons in 2022.
