Sourcing

De Beers Wants to Look for Diamonds in Angola

SourcingDec 08, 2021

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.

De Beers Group, which mines diamonds in South Africa, Canada, Botswana, and Namibia, announced this week it has applied for a license to explore for diamonds in northeastern Angola. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films)
London—De Beers Group announced Tuesday it has applied for permission to begin diamond exploration in Angola, where both Rio Tinto and Alrosa already have operations.

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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

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

AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for Auction

Expected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.

ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM

With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.

Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry Companies

Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson Retires

Johnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.

Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?

Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI

Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and Family

The industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.

Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA Says

At JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.

CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s Dream

It highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.

Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From Gems

Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.

Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant Recipients

Here’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.

TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready Earrings

The designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results

The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022

In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.

Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems

See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.

WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full Year

The new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.

Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing Up

The mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.

Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the Earth

Hari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.

TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on Traceability

The educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New Owner

Australian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.

AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at Auction

A 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.

Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award Recipients

They will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.

ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February?

Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.

MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval Jewels

The 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.

Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show Yet

More than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.

SourcingMar 14, 2023
Bonas Group’s Jimmy Gove Joins Opsydia

Gove, who has more than a decade of experience in the diamond industry, is Opsydia’s new sales and marketing director.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy