De Beers Wants to Look for Diamonds in Angola
The company said it has applied to conduct diamond exploration activities in the northeastern section of the country.
The company said it has submitted a Mineral Rights application and will begin discussions with the government to see if they can come to an agreement on a Mineral Investment Contract, which would set the terms and conditions by which De Beers would operate in the country.
Angola is in southern Africa, north of Namibia and Botswana—both countries where De Beers already has well-established diamond mining operations—and west of Zambia, which is known for its emeralds.
If De Beers is granted a license, Angola would be the only country in the world where De Beers, Alrosa, and Rio Tinto all have a presence, analyst Paul Zimnisky noted on Twitter.
Alrosa has a stake in the open-pit Catoca diamond mine in northeastern Angola in a joint venture with state-owned diamond company Endiama, while Rio Tinto is evaluating the Chiri kimberlite pipe, also in the northeast and in a joint venture with Endiama. Rio Tinto took a 75 percent stake in the exploration project in October.
The troubles surrounding Angola and the country’s diamonds have made headlines in the past, including the corruption surrounding Isabel dos Santos, whom Endiama reportedly cut ties with in 2018, and, more recently, the spill from Catoca that polluted two tributaries of the Congo River.
In announcing its intention to begin exploring in the country, De Beers said there have been “substantive and consistent reforms” implemented by the government that allow its diamonds to benefit local communities.
“As a result of this—and with De Beers’ recognized Building Forever framework for creating lasting positive socio-economic impact for communities, our innovative FutureSmart Mining program that is transforming mining technologies to deliver a significantly reduced environmental footprint, and our proven track record of establishing responsible and mutually beneficial partnerships in the region—we look forward to positive and transparent discussions with government about the possibility of future investment,” CEO Bruce Cleaver said.
The Latest
Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.