Aussie miner unearths world’s 27th biggest diamond in Angola

2042

Australia’s Lucapa Diamond Company Limited, Angola’s national diamond company Endiama E.P, and private local partners Rosas & Pétalas have announced the recovery of a spectacular 404.2 carat diamond from the Lulo Diamond Project in Angola’s Lund Norte province.

Untitled
Image credit: lucapa.com.au

The 404.2 carat Lulo gem is the biggest recorded diamond ever found in Angola and the 27th biggest recorded diamond in the world. It is also the biggest diamond discovered by an Australian company.

The diamond was recovered from alluvial Mining Block 8 at Lulo, which has already produced more than 60 large special diamonds since miming commenced in this area in August 2015.

The Lulo project is a partnership between Lucapa (40%) Endiama (32%) and Rosas & Pétalas (28%). It is located within 150 kilometres of Alrosa-operated Catoca, which is the world’s fourth biggest diamond mine and accounts for about 75% of Angola’s annual diamond production.

Adertisement

Lucapa Diamond Company Chief Executive Stephen Wetherall said Lucapa and its Lulo partners Endiama and Rosas & Pétalas were extremely proud to have recovered such an exceptional world-class diamond.

Image credit: lucapa.com.au
Image credit: lucapa.com.au

“We have always emphasized the very special nature of the Lula diamond field and this recovery – together with the other 100 carat-plus diamonds recovered this year alone – is further evidence of that,” commented Mr Wetherall.

“And while we continue mining these exceptional alluvial gems from Mining Blocks 6 and 8 at Lulo, we are also continuing to advance our systematic exploration program to find the kimberlite source of these diamonds.”

Endiama Chairman Antonio Carlos Sumbula said the recovery of the 404.2 carat diamond represented another significant milestone in the growth and development of the Angolian diamond mining industry.

“We are delighted to have recovered the biggest diamond ever found in Angola – it is a significant day for our country, our diamond industry and for the Lulo Diamond Project,” Mr Sumbula said.

“The Lulo diamond field is an example of what we would like to showcase to the world to encourage international investment in Angola’s diamond mining industry.”