"Our revenue collection is currently at half the level and this has a lot to do with the international situation. Today we are selling (diamonds) at half the price of what we were selling them at two years ago", the Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Jânio Correia Vítor, told reporters on Friday.
According to the minister, the current prices have a negative impact on companies that produce the mineral, as well as on the country's economy and on local development projects, within the scope of social responsibility.
Jânio Correia Vítor also reported that at least nine million carats of diamonds have already been produced this year and, without disclosing the volume of revenue, stressed that by December the authorities expect to surpass the 10 million mark, especially with the start of production at the Luele mine.
The official was speaking at a press conference to present the 2nd Angola International Diamond Conference (AIDC 2024) scheduled for 23 and 24 October in Saurimo, Lunda Sul province.
"Angola: Investing Together to Make a Difference in the Community" is the motto of the conference, an initiative of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas that is expected to bring together around 250 participants from countries in Africa, Asia, America and Europe.
Geological mining research, diamond exploration in Angola, cutting, technological innovation and logistics in the industry and semi-industrial sector are some of the topics scheduled for this edition of AIDC 2024.
