Why are Angola diamonds attracting majors now?

Because Angola is improving sales transparency and traceability while maintaining strong geology. The African Diamond Council signals rising value and average price per carat. Combined with stable Angola oil production, the country can support infrastructure, power, and FX needs that lower mining risk for global operators.

How could this affect Rio Tinto shares for UK investors?

Stronger access to high‑value, traceable diamonds could expand Rio Tinto’s optionality without a large capex surge. RIO shows a near‑67 RSI, supportive trend, a c.12.7x PE, and a 4.6% dividend yield. Watch the 19 February 2026 results for guidance on exploration, marketing, and capital allocation.

Will Angola diamonds change global pricing in 2026?

They could support premiums for verified supply, especially while Russian stones face tighter G7 and UK restrictions. The magnitude depends on licensing pace, new discoveries, and jewellery demand. Expect mixed outcomes across assortments, with the greatest support in larger, higher‑clarity stones with strong provenance.

What are the key risks to the Angola thesis?

Delays in licensing, slower audit adoption, or macro weakness could weigh on realised prices. A steep drop in natural‑versus‑lab‑grown spreads is another risk. Investors should monitor African Diamond Council updates, De Beers sales notes, and company guidance to confirm volumes, assortments, and certification progress.

Global Market Insights

December 23: Angola’s Diamond‑Oil Push Lures Rio Tinto, De Beers

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

Angola diamonds are back in focus as reforms on transparency and traceability tempt global miners. The African Diamond Council says Angola has overtaken Botswana by value and average price per carat, while Angola oil production sits at No. 2 in Africa. That mix is attracting interest from Rio Tinto and De Beers into 2026. For UK investors, the question is what this could mean for supply, pricing, and diversified miner valuations listed in London.