The discovery of new diamond deposits in Angola and outside the country is one of the priorities of Angolan company Sociedade Mineira de Catoca for 2014, the company’s managing director, Ganga Júnior said in Saurimo.

Speaking to Angolan news agency Angop, Júnior said that in 2014 work would begin on exploration of the Tchiuzo mine and to launch operation of the third mill.

“2014 will make use of our knowledge so that we can contribute to improving conditions and the quality of life of the population and growth of the country’s economy,” he said.

In terms of the company’s performance in 2013, Ganga Júnior said he was happy with the activities carried out and by the company’s results.

He also noted work carried out for prospecting new concession areas, the start of work in Zimbabwe and delivery of the first houses to workers in the town of Sagrada Esperança.

Sociedade Mineira da Catoca (SMC) is a partnership between Angolan diamond company Endiama (32.8 percent), Russia’s Alrosa (32.8 percent), Israel’s Daumonty (18 percent) and Brazil’s Odebrecht (16.4 percent). (macauhub)