The Angola Field Group has been invited to visit the Catoca diamond mine in the province of Lunda Sul, 30 kilometers from the capital city of Saurimo. Catoca is considered the world’s 4th biggest diamond mine in terms of size. Diamonds are mined from a large kimberlite pipe, a vertical tube of igneous rock which may contain diamonds.
The Catoca kimberlite pipe in Lunda Sul is the fourth largest diamond-rich rock formation on Earth in terms of surface area. Click on photo for enlarged view.
This will be a one-day excursion, check-in at the airport at 6:00 AM on Saturday March 03 and be back in Luanda by approximately 5:00 PM. We will be flying on Catoca’s private plane, $350.00 usd per person return trip. (this price is based on the plane being full to capacity). Catoca will host us for lunch.
This giant 300 meter deep pit unearthed diamonds representing a profit of 116 million $US in 2011.
This field trip is a unique opportunity to see a big working diamond mine up close, beginning at the 300 meter deep pit where the rock is extracted through all the stages ending up at the high security room where the diamonds are displayed and sold. The trip is limited to 45, the maximum capacity of the plane. If you are interested and serious about going, please send an email to: angolafieldgroup@gmail.com with your name, your company’s name, your position in the company and your cell phone number. In approximately 2 week’s time we will send a confirmation email with exact details including what airport we will leave from, exact times and where and when to make final payment.
Please note that foreigners MUST have their passport and visa in order because of emigration controls both in Luanda and Saurimo. Receipts or letters are definitely not acceptable. You cannot go on this trip without proper passport and visa. All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk.
Angola Field Group members enroute to 'the pit'. First tourists to Catoca Mine, 2010.
Angola's diamonds are known as high quality stones.
Catoca hospitality rated as high quality by Field group members. Photos © Henriette Koning
Angola Field Group 
February 2, 2012 at 12:12 pm
I would like to join the field trip to Catoca, how should I do ?
gratful for a return
Esteban Cambiasso
February 2, 2012 at 12:24 pm
If you are interested and serious about going, please send an email to: angolafieldgroup@gmail.com with your name, your company’s name, your position in the company and your cell phone number. In approximately 2 week’s time we will send a confirmation email with exact details including what airport we will leave from, exact times and where and when to make final payment.
Please note that foreigners MUST have their passport and visa in order because of emigration controls both in Luanda and Saurimo. Receipts or letters are definitely not acceptable. You cannot go on this trip without proper passport and visa. All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk.