Sociedade Mineira Yetwene, situated in Lucapa, Lunda-Norte, has unveiled plans to significantly boost its diamond production, aiming to escalate its monthly output from three thousand to an impressive 19 thousand carats starting in the first half of 2024.
The acting general director of the company, Bento Augusto, revealed the strategic move, facilitated by the introduction of new processing units.
Augusto disclosed that this production expansion has been made feasible through substantial investments in acquiring cutting-edge pre-treatment units.
Two units, each capable of handling 100 tons per hour, will be installed at the Lumanhe front. Additionally, two other units of 250 and 150 tons, designated for the Kamueije front, are scheduled to be operationalized.
The initial units are slated to commence operations between January and May 2024, followed by the others coming online in June of the same year.
This move will exponentially augment the ore treatment capacity, propelling it from 100 to an impressive 600 tons per hour.
Yetwene, established as a collaborative venture for diamond exploration in the commune of Camissombo within the Lucapa municipality, operates within a concession spanning 508 square kilometers.
Nestled along the Chicapa river basin, the mine capitalizes on the substantial diamond potential within Lunda-Norte, substantiated by the abundant identification of kimberlitic bodies.
Approximately 30 kilometers south of this region lie high-value diamond stones, boasting diverse colors and shapes, closely linked to both primary and secondary deposits within the Chicapa river drainage system.
Emphasizing a commitment to local employment, Yetwene prioritizes the recruitment of young nationals, with a workforce quota of 244 individuals, comprising 220 nationals and 24 expatriates.
The company has placed a significant emphasis on employee development, investing in training initiatives and fostering knowledge exchange through collaborations with other industry players, as noted by Bento Augusto.
Beyond its operational scope, Yetwene undertakes various social responsibility endeavors aimed at addressing the needs of surrounding communities.
These initiatives include the construction of essential community infrastructure such as houses for traditional authorities, community gathering spaces, medical facilities, and establishing a reliable drinking water supply system via tanks and fountains.
