SourcingNov 21, 2023
De Beers’ Rough Diamond Sales Sink to $80M SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola
The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
Angola’s diamond development hub in the city of Saurimo, as photographed in November 2021. The country announced the opening of a new, large diamond mine Monday—Luele, formerly known as Luaxe. (Photo credit/courtesy of Paul Zimnisky)
Luanda, Angola—Officials in Angola touted the opening of a large new diamond mine Monday, a project that marks a milestone for natural diamond production that will be unmatched in this decade.
The Luele mine is located in northeastern Angola, adjacent to the country’s other large diamond mine, Catoca.
The government announced the opening of the mine Monday, per a report published Tuesday by Reuters.
According to the news outlet, the government’s presentation on the mine did not disclose its projected production for 2024.
However, diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky said, according to his estimates, Luele will produce 3.5 million to 4 million carats annually, with production gradually ramping up in 2024 and the mine reaching full commercial capacity in 2025.
He noted there is an option to expand the mine’s processing plant, which could double production.
The ramp-up of production at Luele will be enough to eventually make Angola the third-largest diamond producer in the world in terms of both volume and value, leapfrogging Canada, especially since the Renard mine in northern Quebec was just mothballed.
(Russia is the world’s No. 1 diamond producer in volume terms, followed by Botswana. Botswana is No. 1 in value terms, trailed by Russia.)
“It’s a huge deposit,” Zimnisky said in an interview with National Jeweler Tuesday.
“This is the only diamond mine of significance that’s going to come into production this decade. It’s a big deal from that standpoint."
Related stories will be right here …
The Luele mine is located in northeastern Angola, adjacent to the country’s other large diamond mine, Catoca.
The government announced the opening of the mine Monday, per a report published Tuesday by Reuters.
According to the news outlet, the government’s presentation on the mine did not disclose its projected production for 2024.
However, diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky said, according to his estimates, Luele will produce 3.5 million to 4 million carats annually, with production gradually ramping up in 2024 and the mine reaching full commercial capacity in 2025.
He noted there is an option to expand the mine’s processing plant, which could double production.
The ramp-up of production at Luele will be enough to eventually make Angola the third-largest diamond producer in the world in terms of both volume and value, leapfrogging Canada, especially since the Renard mine in northern Quebec was just mothballed.
(Russia is the world’s No. 1 diamond producer in volume terms, followed by Botswana. Botswana is No. 1 in value terms, trailed by Russia.)
“It’s a huge deposit,” Zimnisky said in an interview with National Jeweler Tuesday.
“This is the only diamond mine of significance that’s going to come into production this decade. It’s a big deal from that standpoint."
Luele was formerly known as Luaxe.
In the past, numerous reports described the development of the deposit as a joint venture between Sociedade Mineira de Catoca—the joint venture that operates the neighboring Catoca mine—and Russian diamond miner Alrosa, which remains under U.S. sanction following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In the January 2022 issue of Rapaport magazine, the publication’s then Senior Editor and News Analyst Avi Krawitz, who had traveled to Angola in late 2021, broke down the mine’s ownership like this: Catoca, 50.5 percent stake; Endiama, 13 percent stake; Alrosa, 13 percent stake; Cecadiam, 9 percent stake; Chela Group, 6 percent stake; Kamen, 4 percent stake, and Reform 4 percent stake.
However, Alrosa’s name was conspicuously absent from the presentation given about Luele as it formally launched Monday, according to an individual with knowledge of the presentation.
It listed Catoca as having a 50.5 percent stake, as previously reported, while state-owned mining company Endiama’s interest in the project has increased to 25 percent.
Reform’s interest remains at 4 percent while the Geological Institute of Angola now holds a 1 percent stake.
According to the presentation, a company called Falcan, which was not previously listed as one of the mine’s owners, holds the remaining 19.5 percent interest in Luele.
It is unclear who owns Falcan and the presentation did not note that Alrosa, while no longer listed among the owners of Luele, has a 41 percent stake in Catoca.
Neither Catoca nor Alrosa responded to an email request for comment sent overnight regarding the ownership of the Luele mine.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
