Output at Angola’s diamond mines grew in the first half of the year, exceeding their expected targets.In total, the country produced 6.8 million carats for the period, according to state-owned diamond miner Endiama. Output from the Catoca mine increased more than 40% above its expected range, while the Luele deposit recorded growth of 35% compared to the same period the previous year, Endiama said last week. The two sites accounted for 91% of the country’s total diamond production in the first six months.Angola produced 10.7 million carats in the nine months from January to September, reaching 72% of its annual target of 14.8 million carats for the year.
It expects to surpass that target by the end of 2025, it said. Meanwhile, Angola invested $216 million in the sector, primarily into the Luele project, which is currently ramping up production.Despite the downturn in the market, Endiama exported 8.2 million carats of rough in the first half of the year, at an average price of $97 per carat and a total sales value of $790.4 million. Companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Belgium and Hong Kong purchased more than 90% of those exports. While export volume grew 109% from the same period of 2024, sales value slipped 14%.“Projections for the end of 2025 are encouraging,” Endiama added. “Global rough-diamond production is estimated to fall below 100 million carats, interrupting the growth trend of the last decade.
This scenario favors countries like Angola, which stands out for its supply of gem-quality diamonds.”
