SourcingApr 18, 2022
De Beers: Diamond Businesses Taking a ‘More Cautious’ Approach SourcingApr 21, 2022
De Beers Slated to Begin Diamond Exploration in Angola
The company has signed two Mineral Investment Contracts for license areas in northeast Angola.
A close-up of a rock core sample from a De Beers Group operation in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The diamond miner and marketer announced Wednesday that it will begin exploration in a new country later this year—Angola. (Photo © De Beers Group/Credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films)
London—De Beers Group is one step closer to operating in Angola again, having inked an agreement with the government that allows it to look for diamonds there.
The diamond miner and marketer said Wednesday it has signed Mineral Investment Contracts, or MICs, with the Angolan government for two license areas in the northeast quadrant of the country.
The MICs are for the award and exercise of mineral rights covering all stages of resource development, from exploration to mining. They are good for 35 years.
A separate, new joint venture company comprised of De Beers Group and Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, will hold each concession area.
De Beers will maintain a “substantial majority” (90 percent stake) in the new companies while Endiama will have the ability to incrementally increase its equity share over time, in line with “certain conditions” outlined in the shareholder agreements.
Related stories will be right here …
The diamond miner and marketer said Wednesday it has signed Mineral Investment Contracts, or MICs, with the Angolan government for two license areas in the northeast quadrant of the country.
The MICs are for the award and exercise of mineral rights covering all stages of resource development, from exploration to mining. They are good for 35 years.
A separate, new joint venture company comprised of De Beers Group and Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, will hold each concession area.
De Beers will maintain a “substantial majority” (90 percent stake) in the new companies while Endiama will have the ability to incrementally increase its equity share over time, in line with “certain conditions” outlined in the shareholder agreements.
Wednesday’s announcement follows De Beers’ December news that it had applied for permission to look for diamonds in Angola.
According to Reuters, De Beers last operated in the country between 2005 and 2012, carrying out exploration activities but not finding an economically viable deposit to mine.
“The signing of these contracts represents an important milestone in our new partnership with Angola, which is based on a mutual desire to build a thriving diamond sector that delivers meaningful socioeconomic benefit for Angola’s citizens,” CEO Bruce Cleaver said.
“Angola has worked hard in recent years to create a stable and attractive investment environment and we are pleased to be returning to active exploration in the country.”
The world’s two other largest diamond miners, Alrosa and Rio Tinto, already are operating in Angola, though Alrosa’s goods remain under sanction in the U.S.
De Beers said it expects to start exploration activities in Angola this year, pending regulatory approvals.
Diamond mining will take place only if the company finds a deposit that’s economically feasible to develop.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
