Angola’s National Diamond Company (Endiama) estimates the country’s diamond reserves at 732 million carats, potentially generating $140 billion for the state at an average price of $200 per carat.
Miguel Vemba, Director of Mining Operations at Endiama, emphasized that over 90% of these reserves are located in primary deposits.
Speaking at the 10th UNESCO African Engineering Week & African Engineering Conference in Luanda, Vemba stressed the need for efficient recovery mechanisms, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted that AI and advanced technologies could significantly boost reserves and speed up exploration studies.
Vemba also revealed that Endiama plans to initiate its own production in 2025 with two key projects in the pipeline.
The Luachimba project, in its advanced stage, is expected to start pilot production in 2025, while the Xamacanda project, still in the study phase, shows great potential.
Angola, the world’s fourth-largest rough diamond producer, saw an industrial output of 9.8 million carats in 2023, with production centered in Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Bié, Cuanza Sul, and Malanje.
In the first half of 2024, Angola produced 5.6 million carats, a 36% increase over the same period in 2023.
