Government OK’s Endiama – De Beers Talks

Angola supports renewed talks between state diamond company Endiama and mining giant De Beers, the government said following a cabinet meeting to discuss legal action brought against the country and Endiama by the miner.

The government wants to see the two sides advancing discussions on terms and conditions for a new partnership contract, says the Angola Press Agency.

The Angolans wants to see the local diamond industry move forward, perhaps fearing that the rivalry between De Beers and Israeli diamantaire Lev Leviev has prevented the country from achieving the most from its diamond riches.

De Beers stormed out of Angola with Leviev’s developing relations with the government serving as the backdrop to the diamond giant’s departure.