De Beers has announced the discovery of eight promising kimberlite sites in Angola, marking a significant milestone in the diamond company's renewed exploration efforts in the region. According to the Portuguese news agency Lusa, these high-potential sites were identified through aerial surveys in Lunda Sul, a northeastern province known for its substantial diamond deposits, including the Catoca mine.

De Beers resumed exploration in Angola in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus, formalizing its intentions through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in February with Angola's National Mineral Resource Agency, along with state-owned mining entities Endiama and Sodiam. This agreement has paved the way for a collaborative approach, with De Beers and Endiama currently investigating six additional locations.

Despite its abundant diamond resources, Angola has yet to fully explore approximately 60% of its diamond-rich territories. The recent opening of the Luele mine in November, projected to boost the country's annual diamond production from 9.7 million carats in 2023 to 14.6 million carats in 2024, underscores Angola’s rising significance in the global diamond market.

As per the MoU, both parties will conduct thorough reviews of kimberlite deposits for future exploration while emphasizing transparency and traceability in diamond production—a move expected to enhance Angola's appeal to international stakeholders.