Plizio Visual Lab

Cuango Diamond Operations

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Cuango Diamond Operations, located in Lunda Norte Province, represent one of Angola's most historically significant diamond mining areas. Spanning along the Cuango River basin, the region is famous for its rich alluvial deposits which have been exploited for several decades. The operation is managed by Sociedade Mineira do Cuango (SMC), a joint venture between the state-owned diamond company Endiama and private partners such as ITM Mining. Extraction in the Cuango region involves large-scale earthmoving and the processing of river gravels through sophisticated washing plants. Because the diamonds were transported by natural erosion from primary kimberlite pipes, they often exhibit high gem-quality characteristics. The Cuango region served as the heart of Angola's diamond production for many years and remains a stable contributor to the national output despite the development of newer mines. Beyond industrial mining, the area is also central to efforts to formalize artisanal mining and improve security and transparency in the sector.

Location: Angola
Nearby: Cafunfo (24 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	24	25	25	25	25	27	27	25	24	23
Rain mm	114	119	158	84	11	3	1	15	72	132	180	141

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The diamond mining areas along the Cuango River in northeastern Angola have been known for their diamond deposits for decades. They form an important economic base for Lunda Norte province and attract both industrial and artisanal mining.

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Visiting

The extraction areas cover a vast riverine landscape and are generally not open to public access. However, from boats on the Cuango River, you can sometimes see dredging and washing equipment, where security allows.

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Where to view it

The best view of the valley and mining activities is from the hills east of the river. From there, you see the vast terraces and traces of alluvial diamond mining along the riverbed.

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Local products

In towns along the Cuango, such as Cuango and Xá-Muteba, diamonds are offered on local markets. Alongside, there are agricultural products such as maize and pumpkins from smallholder farms.

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Active season

Diamond extraction is highly seasonal and concentrates on the dry season from May to October. During the rainy season, water levels rise, making alluvial mining difficult and slowing production.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with a boat trip on the Cuango River to enjoy birdlife and the river landscape. The town of Xá-Muteba with its traditional market and the border region with the Democratic Republic of Congo are also suitable for excursions.