Sociedade Mineira do Luele in Lunda-Norte achieved a production milestone of 1.8 million carats in the first half of this year, securing the administration’s confidence and maintaining over 1,800 jobs.
The president of the company’s Board of Directors, Rómulo Mucase, shared this information in Dundo, noting that the production figures represent 94% of the projected 1.9 million carats for the period.
He emphasized that this achievement is particularly impressive given the mine’s short operational history, having been inaugurated in November last year by President João Lourenço.
However, Mucase highlighted the challenges posed by the declining average diamond prices on the international market, which are increasingly impacting mining operators.
He stressed the importance of finding effective organizational strategies to ensure cash flow, given the strategic significance of diamonds in diversifying Angola’s national economy.
Mucase also expressed optimism about the upcoming Second International Diamond Conference of Angola, scheduled for October in Saurimo, Lunda-Sul.
He believes the event, which will bring together industry experts and stakeholders, will offer valuable opportunities for companies to establish new connections and enhance the subsector’s activities.
At the conference, Sociedade Mineira do Luele plans to showcase its ongoing projects, including geological exploration, mining, diamond recovery, environmental sustainability, and social initiatives, particularly in employment.
The Luele mine, which employs over 1,800 workers, is a joint venture with stakes held by Sociedade Mineira de Catoca (50.5%), Endiama (44.5%), Reform (4.0%), and the Geological Institute of Angola (1.0%).
The mine’s reserves are estimated at 628 million carats, with a projected operational lifespan of 60 years. Located about 200 kilometers from the Catoca mine, between Lunda-Sul and Lunda-Norte provinces, Luele is considered one of the most promising diamond deposits discovered in over a decade.
