Angola Diamond Production Rises 10% but Misses Target

(IDEX Online) - Angola produced 7.6 million carats of diamonds in the first half of 2026, up 10% year-on-year despite slow demand, but 6% below its production target.

The shortfall was mainly caused by alluvial operations, which produced 45% less than planned, while the country's kimberlite mines met and marginally exceeded their targets.

A half-year review published by Empresa Nacional de Diamantes de Angola (ENDIAMA), the state-owned diamond company, did not identify a single cause for the alluvial shortfall.

Kimberlite production was 0.21% above target. Strong performance at Catoca compensated for operational delays at Luele, where the commissioning of a second production line was delayed.

Luele, which opened in 2023, is one of the world's largest open-pit diamond mines and has the potential to be three times the size of Catoca. Catoca, Angola's largest operating diamond mine, has been producing for more than 30 years.

The 7.6 million carats produced in the first half compares with 6.9 million carats in the same period of 2025.

Miguel Vemba, director of mining operations and participation management at ENDIAMA, described the outlook for the industry generally as "not very encouraging," citing falling diamond prices and pressure on producers.

He said diamond prices had fallen by about 33% globally since 2022 and by 52% in Angola.

Several alluvial operations were also affected by high operating costs and liquidity problems, according to the final communique from Angola's semi-annual diamond production review, held from August 19 to 21.

Angola is targeting production of 16.2 million carats for the full year. Additional processing capacity at Luele is expected to help increase production in the second half.

Angola was the world's third-largest rough-diamond producer by volume in 2025, behind Russia and Botswana, producing 15.2 million carats. Botswana produced 15.5 million carats.

If Angola achieves its 16.2 million-carat target this year, it would move above Botswana's 2025 production level and strengthen its position as one of the world's leading diamond producers.

The country is also seeking a greater role in the wider diamond industry, including a minority stake in De Beers, a planned diamond bourse and increased domestic cutting and polishing capacity.

Pic, courtesy ENDIAMA, shows the Luele diamond mine.