DiamondBuzz
De Beers, Endiama report first new kimberlite field in over 30 years in Angola
De Beers Group, in partnership with Angola’s Endiama, has discovered a new kimberlite field—its first in over 30 years—during initial drilling in July 2025. The find marks a major milestone in their long-term collaboration to responsibly develop Angola’s diamond resources.
De Beers Group, in partnership with Angola’s national diamond company Endiama, has reported the discovery of a new kimberlite field in Angola—the company’s first such find in over 30 years.The breakthrough occurred in July 2025, when the joint venture intersected kimberlite in its very first drill hole, targeting a cluster of high-priority sites identified through airborne surveys earlier in March 2025.
In the months ahead, De Beers and Endiama will carry out additional drilling, ground geophysical studies, and laboratory testing to confirm the nature of the kimberlite and evaluate its diamond-bearing potential.The find marks a significant milestone in the partnership between De Beers and Angola. It comes on the back of two Mineral Investment Contracts signed in April 2022 and a Memorandum of Understanding agreed at the 2024 Mining Indaba. These agreements have laid the foundation for a long-term collaboration focused on responsibly developing Angola’s diamond resources.
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Angola is, in our view, one of the best places on the planet to look for diamonds, and this discovery reinforces our confidence. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, and I commend President Lourenco and his government for all the work they have done to enhance transparency, adopt international best practices, and create a business friendly environment, all of which has enabled us to return to Angola and seek new sources of supply. We are excited about the role De Beers can play in helping the country deliver on its huge potential, both below and above the ground.”
DiamondBuzz
GIA says it can’t comply with industry bodies’ request for nominal, grading-linked contribution mechanism”
A coalition of 15 major industry organizations recently petitioned the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to implement a “grading-linked contribution mechanism.” The goal was to secure sustainable funding for the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) to revitalize consumer marketing. However, the GIA has officially declined the request, citing legal and structural constraints.
The initiative, led by the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), suggested a nominal, sliding-scale surcharge based on carat size for every diamond graded by the GIA.
- Objective: To create a “fair, transparent, and scalable” revenue stream for natural diamond promotion.
- Rationale: Proponents argued that since every graded diamond benefits from GIA’s reputation, a small levy is a logical way to support the industry’s collective health.
- Precedent: The groups pointed to India’s successful implementation of small levies for industry promotion as a proof of concept.
3. GIA’s Official Stance
Despite the unified front of the 15 organizations (American Gem Trade Association, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Bharat Diamond Bourse, CIBJO (World Jewellery Confederation), the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association, the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, Jewelers of America, United States Jewelry Council, World Diamond Council, and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses), the GIA has rejected the proposal
The GIA’s refusal to implement the proposed surcharge is rooted in its structural identity as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Under this legal designation, the GIA is strictly prohibited from diverted funds or collecting fees to benefit external, for-profit, or trade-specific marketing entities like the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
Beyond the legal constraints, the organization maintains a firm boundary regarding its mission alignment; while industry groups seek to drive commercial demand, the GIA’s primary mandate is centered on consumer protection and rigorous scientific education. Engaging in commercial promotion could be perceived as a conflict of interest that undermines its role as an impartial arbiter of diamond quality.
Despite this rejection, the GIA has signaled a willingness for future support through collaborative efforts that fit within its educational purview. By focusing on “industry education” rather than “marketing,” the GIA can continue to fund internal initiatives that overlap with the NDC’s goals without violating its nonprofit status or compromising its reputation for objectivity.
The rejection by the GIA marks a significant hurdle for the NDC’s funding strategy. The industry now faces the challenge of creating a self-funded marketing engine without the “centralized gatekeeper” advantage that a grading lab surcharge would have provided.
Potential Alternative Paths:
- Implementing voluntary contribution models at the retail or wholesale level.
- Focusing on “educational” campaigns that GIA can legally support under its nonprofit status.
- Exploring government-backed levies in major diamond hubs (similar to the Indian model).
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