Dundo - The inauguration of the Tchivungo and Chissema mines, two highlights in the eastern Lunda Norte province this year in the economic field, opened up new prospects for diamond production.
Angola expects to produce 10.5 million carats of diamonds this year and collect 1.4 billion dollars.
This forecast, a consequence of the start-up of several projects in the sub-sector, including the Chissema and Tchinguvo mines, exceeds 8.7 million carats produced in 2021.
Inaugurated by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino de Azevedo, the Tchivungo mine, located in the municipality of Chitato, has a concession of 2,340 square kilometers and currently produces three thousand carats of diamonds per month and generated 399 direct jobs.
On the other hand, USD 65 million has been invested in the mine and over the next two years an investment of approximately USD 15 million is planned in equipment and human resources, with a view to increasing production by approximately 10,000 carats/ month.
The start of the exploration of four blocks, scheduled for 2023, will allow the creation of more than 200 direct jobs at the Mining Society of Tchinguvo, which holds the financial stakes of ENZA and Endiama EP.
The Chissema mine, located in the municipality of Cuango, also inaugurated by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino de Azevedo, has a monthly production of 15,000 carats of diamonds.
In production since 2016, the mine which changed from a semi-industrial project to an industrial project this year has a concession of 1,019 square kilometers, guaranteeing 1,110 direct and indirect jobs.
A total of USD 23.1 million has been spent. currently, the mine operates with two scrubbers which allow a production of 170 tons of ore/day and the monthly collection of 1.2 million cubic meters of ore.
The company is the result of a partnership between Endiama and two national companies, the main investor being a young local businessman.
