Luele Mine
In November 2013, kimberlite was discovered as a result of geological research carried out by Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, with the aim of strengthening and increasing its mineral resource base.
According to preliminary studies of the geological potential, the Luele kimberlite is 600m deep, in an area of 105 hectares, with a quantity of ore of 647 million tonnes, which will result in 628 million carats.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Name of Work: Luele Mine
Location of Work: north-east Angola, in the province of Lunda Sul, in the Luele river basin, approximately 35 kilometres from the city of Saurimo.
Description of what it is and what it aims to achieve:Luele is a kimberlitic deposit mine. It is considered the largest diamond project in the country and the third largest kimberlite in the world.
Mining production will contribute to a significant increase in diamond production in Angola.
In terms of employment, it is estimated that at least 3,000 direct jobs will be created by 2026, thus contributing to family income and consequently to the country’s social development.
In the long term, once the mine has reached a depth of 600 metres, there is the possibility of developing it into an underground mine.
The mine is expected to be in operation for 60 years, i.e. until 2083.
Cost of work: So far 635 million dollars have been invested by Sociedade Mineira do Luele, in which Catoca has a 50.5% stake, Angolan state diamond company Endiama, 25%, Falcon, 19.5%, Reform, 4.0%, and the Instituto Geológico de Angola (IGEO), 1%.
Contractor: Sociedade Mineira do Luele
Photos and video
