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
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
