ENDIAMA Aiming to Double Production

The Angolan National Company of Diamonds of Angola (ENDIAMA) says it will double its diamond production capacity with the establishment of a new prospecting arm later this year.

The company said the Prospecting and Production unit will work together with five current diamond exploration projects. Angola’s annual diamond production is estimated at $900 million.

Angola is seeking to increase its independence in the diamond industry and has cancelled Ascorp's marketing exclusivity, and opened two marketing offices overseas: in Ramat Gan in partnership with Leviev’s LLD and in Antwerp with Lazare Kaplan.

According to the company’s Public Relations Director, Sebastiao Panzo, the project will allow the company to mine diamonds autonomously in the Camanjanja area, Lunda-Norte province, and produce about 7,000 carats annually.

The Angolan press expects two other projects, Muanza and Kacuilo, to come on-stream in July.