The history of diamond mining in Angola is deeply intertwined with the country’s colonial history, civil conflict, and economic development. Angola has emerged as one of the world’s significant diamond producers, but the industry has been marked by periods of turmoil and exploitation. Here’s a detailed overview:

Early Discoveries and Colonial Era (1912-1975)
- Initial Discovery: Diamonds were first discovered in Angola in 1912 in the northeastern part of the country, in the Lunda region. The Portuguese colonial administration quickly recognised the economic potential of these deposits and began granting concessions to various companies.
- Diamang: In 1917, the colonial government established the Companhia de Diamantes de Angola (Diamang), which was granted exclusive rights to diamond mining in the country. Diamang, controlled by Portuguese, Belgian, British, and American investors, dominated the diamond industry in Angola for several decades. The company developed extensive mining operations, particularly in the alluvial deposits of the Lunda region.
- Colonial Exploitation: During the colonial period, the diamond industry was characterised by the exploitation of local labour. Indigenous Angolans were often subjected to harsh working conditions and forced labour. The wealth generated from diamond mining primarily benefited the colonial powers and foreign investors, with little economic benefit for the local population.

Post-Independence and Civil War (1975-2002)
- Independence and Nationalisation: Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, but the country soon descended into a brutal civil war, which lasted until 2002. Following independence, the new government, led by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), nationalised the diamond industry. However, the ongoing conflict severely disrupted mining activities.
- Diamonds and the Civil War: During the civil war, diamonds became a major source of funding for both the MPLA government and the rebel group, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). UNITA controlled several diamond-rich areas in the east and used diamond revenues to finance its military operations. These diamonds, often referred to as “conflict diamonds” or “blood diamonds,” were sold on the international black market, fueling the conflict and prolonging the war.
- International Response: The issue of conflict diamonds in Angola gained international attention in the 1990s. In 1998, the United Nations imposed sanctions on UNITA, including a ban on the trade of Angolan diamonds, in an effort to cut off the group’s funding. This was a key factor in weakening UNITA’s military capabilities, leading to the eventual end of the civil war in 2002.

Post-War Era and Industry Reform (2002-Present)
- End of the Civil War: The Angolan civil war ended in 2002 with a ceasefire between the MPLA government and UNITA. The end of the conflict allowed the government to regain control over diamond-rich areas and restart the formal diamond industry.
- Reform and the Kimberley Process: In the post-war period, Angola joined the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2003. The KPCS was established to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds and to ensure that diamonds entering the international market are ethically sourced. Angola’s participation in the Kimberley Process helped legitimise its diamond exports and brought more transparency to the industry.
- Growth of the Diamond Industry: With the stabilization of the country, Angola’s diamond industry experienced significant growth. State-owned diamond company Endiama, which was established in 1981, became a key player in the industry. Foreign investment also increased, with international companies like De Beers and ALROSA entering joint ventures with Endiama to explore and mine diamonds.
- Challenges and Corruption: Despite these advancements, the Angolan diamond industry has faced challenges, including corruption, lack of infrastructure, and human rights abuses. The industry has been criticised for its lack of transparency and for the unequal distribution of wealth, with the majority of profits benefiting a small elite.

Current State and Future Prospects
- Economic Importance: Today, Angola is one of the top diamond producers in the world, with diamonds being a major contributor to the country’s economy. The majority of diamond production comes from alluvial mining, although there are also significant kimberlite deposits being developed.
- Reform Efforts: The Angolan government, under President João Lourenço, has made efforts to reform the diamond industry, aiming to attract more foreign investment and to diversify the economy. Reforms have included increasing transparency, improving regulatory frameworks, and encouraging more value-added activities, such as cutting and polishing diamonds within the country.
- Sustainability and Ethical Concerns: As global consumers become more concerned about ethical sourcing, Angola faces pressure to ensure that its diamond industry adheres to higher environmental and social standards. The country is also focusing on sustainable development and trying to ensure that the benefits of diamond mining are more widely distributed among its population.

Conclusion
The history of diamond mining in Angola is a story of vast wealth, exploitation, conflict, and gradual reform. From the early days of colonial exploitation through the devastating civil war, diamonds have played a central role in Angola’s history. Today, while challenges remain, the Angolan diamond industry is on a path towards greater transparency and sustainability, with the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s development and prosperity.
