SourcingNov 19, 2021
Rio Tinto’s Now the Sole Owner of Canada’s Diavik Diamond MineSourcingDec 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 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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
