SourcingMay 27, 2021
WJA Foundation to Air Documentary, Director Q&A on Gold MiningSourcingSep 09, 2021
Report: Toxic Leak from Angola Diamond Mine Kills 12, Sickens Thousands
Officials from the neighboring DRC will seek compensation for the pollution they say has turned tributaries red and affected millions.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo—Twelve people have died and thousands fallen ill in the DRC after a diamond mine’s tailings dam polluted drinking water, government officials claim.
In August, researchers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa University reported that a leak of heavy metals from a mine in neighboring Angola was causing an “unprecedented environmental catastrophe,” Reuters reported.
According to the Congolese researchers, the pollution turned two tributaries of the Congo River—the Tshikapa and the Kasai—red, killed fish, and affected millions of people who live along their banks.
Officials in the DRC said they attribute the pollution to a leak from the Catoca diamond mine in neighboring Angola and have linked it to 12 deaths and the illnesses of more than 4,500 people.
Sociedade Mineira de Catoca (Catoca Mining Company), which operates the Catoca mine, released a statement saying tailings from its mine had leaked into nearby water sources in late July, filling the water with sediment before it could seal a rupture in the spillway, but claimed the leakage contained sand and clay, not toxic materials.
Catoca, a joint venture between Angolan state diamond company Endiama and Russian diamond mining company Alrosa, is the fourth largest open-pit mine in the world and the largest in Angola, responsible for producing more than 75 percent of the country’s diamonds.
Eve Bazaiba, DRC’s minister of environment, said she will seek compensation in accordance with the “polluter pays” principle, meaning those who cause the pollution should take on the cost of fixing any damage, The New York Times reported.
The amount DRC officials are seeking has not yet been released.
The Times story also noted that while Bazaiba said the Angolan government and Catoca have acknowledged the pollution came from the diamond mine, other sources contend that isn’t the case and that Catoca has yet to confirm the allegations of a toxic spill.
Investigations into the exact cause of the incident are ongoing.
The Angolan government has not yet made a public statement about the incident, and Endiama did not respond to an email inquiry for comment from National Jeweler by press time.
Alrosa sent the following statement: “Alrosa has offered support and expertise to remedy the consequences of the spill at Catoca. As a responsible minority shareholder of Catoca, Alrosa is committed to bringing more transparency.”
Related stories will be right here …
In August, researchers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa University reported that a leak of heavy metals from a mine in neighboring Angola was causing an “unprecedented environmental catastrophe,” Reuters reported.
According to the Congolese researchers, the pollution turned two tributaries of the Congo River—the Tshikapa and the Kasai—red, killed fish, and affected millions of people who live along their banks.
Officials in the DRC said they attribute the pollution to a leak from the Catoca diamond mine in neighboring Angola and have linked it to 12 deaths and the illnesses of more than 4,500 people.
Sociedade Mineira de Catoca (Catoca Mining Company), which operates the Catoca mine, released a statement saying tailings from its mine had leaked into nearby water sources in late July, filling the water with sediment before it could seal a rupture in the spillway, but claimed the leakage contained sand and clay, not toxic materials.
Catoca, a joint venture between Angolan state diamond company Endiama and Russian diamond mining company Alrosa, is the fourth largest open-pit mine in the world and the largest in Angola, responsible for producing more than 75 percent of the country’s diamonds.
Eve Bazaiba, DRC’s minister of environment, said she will seek compensation in accordance with the “polluter pays” principle, meaning those who cause the pollution should take on the cost of fixing any damage, The New York Times reported.
The amount DRC officials are seeking has not yet been released.
The Times story also noted that while Bazaiba said the Angolan government and Catoca have acknowledged the pollution came from the diamond mine, other sources contend that isn’t the case and that Catoca has yet to confirm the allegations of a toxic spill.
Investigations into the exact cause of the incident are ongoing.
The Angolan government has not yet made a public statement about the incident, and Endiama did not respond to an email inquiry for comment from National Jeweler by press time.
Alrosa sent the following statement: “Alrosa has offered support and expertise to remedy the consequences of the spill at Catoca. As a responsible minority shareholder of Catoca, Alrosa is committed to bringing more transparency.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
