Luanda – Angola’s polished diamond sales reached US$594.17 million ( one USD equivalent to 824.9 kwanzas) during the first half of 2023, said Friday in Luanda the National Director of Mineral Resources, Paulo Tanganha.
This value, which represents 37% less compared to the previous period, results from the sale of around 2. 9 million carats of diamonds, at an average price of US$202.61 per carat.
During the first half of the current year, around 4. 093 million carats of diamonds were recovered, mostly from industrial exploration.
Compared to the same period of 2022, he pointed out that, there was a decrease in the amount of carats recovered, of approximately 3.9%.
Sociedade Mineira do Catoca contributed the most to production during the period under analysis, with around 67% of total production.
The source predicted that with the entry into operation of the Luaxi mine, located in the province of Lunda Sul, the fulfillment of the production target established for the year 2023, estimated at 12.41 million carats.
He explained that the mining sector continues to be one of the main strategic areas for the economic and social development of Angola, with mineral resources explored and sold being an important source of revenue for the State.JAM/AC/CF/NIC
