DiamondBuzz
Angolan Diamond Leaders, Endiama and Sodiam, Join the Natural Diamond Council
India, Mumbai– June 20, 2025: Angola’s two leading state-owned diamond institutions, ENDIAMA E.P. and SODIAM E.P., have formally announced their joint commitment to generic category marketing by joining the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) as contributing members, effective July 1, 2025.
As the third-largest global producer of natural diamonds and one of the most promising in terms of future deposit discoveries, Angola continues to strengthen its position as a responsible and influential player in the global diamond industry. This move reinforces the country’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and consumer education on the unique value of natural diamonds.
The natural diamond sector remains a vital pillar of Angola’s socioeconomic development, supporting employment, infrastructure, education, and healthcare in producing regions.
“With Angola’s diamond industry on the rise, promoting the values and socioeconomic contributions of natural diamonds is a national priority,” stated Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas. “By joining the Natural Diamond Council, Endiama and Sodiam are formalizing our dedication to a global strategy that highlights the unmatched benefits of natural diamonds to new generations of consumers.”
“We are thrilled to welcome ENDIAMA and SODIAM to the NDC at such a pivotal time for the industry,” said David Kellie, CEO of Natural Diamond Council. “Their membership will significantly enrich our collective voice in sharing the powerful story of natural diamonds rooted in positive impact, rarity, and authenticity.”
“Diamonds are symbols of love, tradition, and meaningful connections. Welcoming ENDIAMA and SODIAM to the Natural Diamond Council strengthens our shared commitment to educate and inspire consumers, helping them make informed choices rooted in authenticity and positive impact. This partnership is a vital step in telling the true story of natural diamonds and supporting the communities behind them,” said Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council, India & Middle East.
ENDIAMA and SODIAM will commence their commitment to global category marketing through the NDC with a contribution of $8M dedicated to the second half of 2025, supporting the most critical commercial season for the industry.
Current NDC member, De Beers, concurrently announced it will commit additional contribution to the NDC by matching ENDIAMA and SODIAM commitment of $8M for 2025.
ENDIAMA and SODIAM now join current NDC members: De Beers, Okavango Diamond Company, Petra Diamonds, Rio Tinto, and Murowa.
DiamondBuzz
South African Task Team To Help Struggling Diamond Producers
The South African Government Has Partnered With Mining Industry Leaders To Form A Joint Task Team Aimed At Saving Jobs and Supporting Diamond Producers Facing Severe Market Pressures.
The quick intervention follows major disruptions in the local sector, including Petra Diamonds placing its Finsch mine under business rescue and De Beers announcing a two-year production pause at Venetia, the country’s largest diamond mine.
In a parliamentary reply on October 26, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe confirmed that the team—which includes the Minerals Council South Africa and local diamond producers—will develop strategies to help mines survive current economic headwinds.
The immediate focus is finding practical solutions to protect operations across the entire sector, especially junior and small-scale miners who are being hit the hardest,
Key Industry Challenges
The local diamond sector faces a combination of falling global prices, rising operating costs, and intense competition from lab-grown synthetic diamonds. Official figures highlight the severity of the crisis:
Production Downturn: South African diamond output dropped 19.5% year-to-date through August.
Commodity Slump: According to Statistics South Africa, diamond mining was the weakest-performing mining sub-sector in August, with output falling 23.0% in the three months ending August compared to the previous three months.
Significant Mine Reductions: De Beers reported a 37% year-on-year drop in South African production for Q3 2026 (down to 418,000 carats) as operations wrap up ahead of Venetia’s pause. De Beers expects zero further production in South Africa for the remainder of 2026.
Price Pressures: Lower market values and a strong South African rand reduced average tender prices at the Finsch mine from $56 to $47 per carat, making ongoing operations unviable under current conditions.
The task team will focus on measures to ease cost pressures and address global market shifts. Further details regarding the team’s specific work plan, timelines, and financial resources will be announced as proposals are finalized.
Aspect Bullion & Refinery Unveils Signature Collection At Two-Day Launch Event At Oberoi Mall, Mumbai
This Diwali, Say It With A Candere: Thoughtful Gifting Picks From Candere By Kalyan
Gold Is Back On The Moodboard: Palmonas’ 9KT Jewellery Picks For Festive Gifting
Dhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
The Solenne Collection: A Celebration Of Diwali By Bharti Bangur Fine Jewels
From Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
JB Insights1 week agoDhanteras Shopping Guide 2026:Gold, Silver, Diamonds & Festive Jewellery Trends To Watch
-
BrandBuzz1 week agoThe Solenne Collection: A Celebration Of Diwali By Bharti Bangur Fine Jewels
-
BrandBuzz1 week agoFrom Diya Puja To Diwali Soirées: Jewellery Designed To Go Beyond The Festive Season
-
National News1 week agoIndriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India’s Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.