De Beers to Launch Diamond Exploration in Angola’s Lunda Provinces
De Beers, the global diamond mining giant, will commence diamond exploration activities in Angola’s Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul provinces within the next two weeks, according to the company’s CEO, Al Cook.
The announcement was made following a meeting with President João Lourenço in Luanda on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Press Office of the Presidency (CIPRA), accessed by VerAngola, the exploration marks the next phase following two years of aerial electromagnetic surveys and geological prospecting.
“The multinational De Beers will begin drilling and exploration operations in Muconda and Lumboma, located in Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte respectively, after completing two years of airborne geophysical surveys,” the statement said.
Al Cook highlighted the company’s substantial commitment to the project, noting that De Beers is already investing tens of millions of dollars.
Depending on the success of the exploration, the total investment could eventually reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
“This represents a significant investment in Angola, and we are hopeful that the exploration will yield positive results,” Cook stated.
The CEO also emphasized De Beers’ commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Angola and to supporting the country’s long-term development goals.
During his visit to Angola, Cook is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion on natural diamonds, taking place on Wednesday in Luanda.
The event will bring together representatives from diamond-producing African nations to collaborate on strategies for promoting natural diamonds on the global stage.
“The President and I had a detailed discussion about our shared goals and how we can work together to tell the real story of natural diamonds to the world,” Cook added.
