De Beers and Endiama
De Beers Group, together with Angola’s national diamond company, Endiama, today announced a significant step forward in their joint exploration efforts with the discovery of kimberlite, the host rock for diamonds, in Angola.
Breakthrough Discovery Marks First New Kimberlite Field for De Beers in Over 30 Years
In a major milestone for diamond exploration, De Beers Group and Angola’s state-owned Endiama have uncovered kimberlite – the geological formation that often contains diamonds – in the northeastern province of Lunda Norte. The find, announced on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, came during drilling in July 2025 at a high-priority cluster identified through airborne surveys completed in March 2025. This represents the first new kimberlite field discovered by De Beers in more than three decades, sparking hope for fresh diamond supplies in a market facing challenges from lab-grown alternatives and geopolitical shifts.
The joint venture between De Beers and Endiama successfully intersected kimberlite in their first drill hole into the cluster, located about 900km from Angola’s capital, Luanda. Over the coming months, the partners plan further drilling, ground geophysical surveys, and laboratory analysis to confirm the kimberlite type and assess its diamond potential. If viable, this could lead to a new mine, boosting Angola’s output as the world’s sixth-largest diamond producer, aiming for 13.8 million carats in 2025.
This breakthrough builds on a foundation of renewed cooperation, including two Mineral Investment Contracts signed in April 2022 between De Beers and the Angolan government, and a Memorandum of Understanding inked at the Mining Indaba in February 2024. These agreements have enabled De Beers’ return to greenfield exploration in Angola after a 2012 exit, focusing on responsible mining and economic benefits for local communities.
Partnership Praised for Unlocking Angola’s Vast Diamond Potential
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, hailed the discovery as a testament to Angola’s attractiveness for investment. “Angola is, in our view, one of the best places on the planet to look for diamonds, and this discovery reinforces our confidence. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, and I commend President Lourenço and his government for all the work they have done to enhance transparency, adopt international best practices, and create a business-friendly environment, all of which has enabled us to return to Angola and seek new sources of supply. We are excited about the role De Beers can play in helping the country deliver on its huge potential, both below and above the ground.”
Endiama Chairman José Ganga Júnior echoed this sentiment, emphasising the partnership’s role in advancing Angola’s mining sector. He noted that the discovery aligns with national goals to increase diamond production and create jobs, while ensuring environmental and social responsibility. The joint venture underscores Angola’s reforms under President João Lourenço, including improved governance and investor protections, which have attracted major players back to the country.
De Beers, a subsidiary of Anglo American, has a long history in diamond mining, with operations in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Its return to Angola in 2014 focused on offshore and onshore prospects, but this inland kimberlite find opens new avenues. Kimberlite clusters like this one are rare and promising, often yielding high-value gems if diamond-bearing.
Implications for Angola’s Economy and Global Diamond Market
Angola’s diamond industry, contributing about 9% to GDP and employing thousands, stands to gain from this development. The country hosts vast untapped reserves, with Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul provinces being key areas. If the cluster proves productive, it could create hundreds of jobs in mining, processing, and related services, supporting local communities through training and infrastructure.
Globally, the discovery comes at a time when natural diamond supplies are tightening due to mine depletions and ethical sourcing demands. De Beers has faced sales dips from lab-grown competition, but high-quality rough diamonds from new sources could stabilise markets. Analysts predict this could add millions in annual revenue for Angola, aiding diversification from oil dependency.
The partnership also promotes sustainable practices, with De Beers committing to community upliftment and environmental standards. As further tests unfold, excitement builds for what could be a game-changer in African diamond exploration, reinforcing Angola’s position as a top producer.
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