Angola, during the first half of 2023, sold approximately 2 million and 933 thousand carats of diamonds at an average price of US$202.61 per carat, which corresponded to a gross value of approximately US$594.17 million, according to information provided by the National Director of Mineral Resources, Paulo Tanganha, on the 25th of August.

According to the National Director, in this period, around 4 million and 93 thousand carats of diamonds were recovered, mainly from industrial exploration.

Compared to the same period, in 2022, Paulo Tanganha said that there was a decrease in the amount of carats recovered, of approximately 3.9%, with the largest contribution of production by Sociedade Mineira do Catoca, in the order of 67% of total production. .

As for exports, he informed that they totaled around 4 million and 66 thousand carats, making a gross value of approximately 711 million and 738 thousand American Dollars.

Compared to the same period last year, there was a decrease in exports of just 2.8%. The United Arab Emirates, with 65.6%, and Belgium, with 29%, were identified as the main destinations for diamond exports. The other 5.4% were exported to different destinations.

"It is expected that with the entry into operation of the Luaxi mine, located in Lunda Sul, the Sector will meet the production target established for the year 2023, estimated at 12.41 million carats".

Sodiam, Endiama and the Mineral Societies of CATOCA, Chitotolo, Cuango, Kaixepa, Lunhinga, Somiluana, Furi and Uari-Cambange participated in the event, in the presence of national directors, administrators and employees of the diamond sector.