Plizio Visual Lab

Chitotolo Diamond Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Chitotolo diamond mine, located in Lunda Norte Province, is one of Angola's most significant sites for alluvial diamond mining. The mine is operated by Sociedade Mineira do Chitotolo, a partnership between the state-owned Endiama and private investors. Extraction primarily takes place in riverbeds and surrounding areas where erosion has released diamonds from primary sources. Chitotolo is renowned for producing high-quality gemstones that contribute significantly to the country's export revenues. Mining operations involve large-scale earthmoving and modern separation techniques to recover raw diamonds from gravel. In recent years, the company has increasingly invested in social projects to improve living conditions in surrounding communities. Despite technological advancements, alluvial mining remains a logistical challenge in this remote region of northeastern Angola.

Location: Angola
Nearby: Lucapa (25 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	24	25	25	24	24	27	26	25	24	24
Rain mm	131	129	146	85	13	2	1	17	70	126	181	157

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Chitotolo diamond mine in northeastern Angola contributes significantly to the country's export revenues. It is part of the Lunda Norte diamond mining area and creates jobs in a remote region.

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Visiting

The mine, like most diamond mines in Angola, is heavily guarded and not accessible. The surroundings can be explored from nearby roads, where you see security checkpoints and supply convoys.

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Where to view it

There are no public viewpoints, as the mine is located far from settled areas. The best impression is gained during the approach, where you see the remote landscape and signs of mining.

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Local products

In the nearby town of Dundo, diamonds are traded on markets, almost exclusively in the informal sector. Agricultural products such as cassava and peanuts are also available.

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Active season

The mine operates year-round, with the dry season from May to October often allowing more stable production. During the rainy season, flooding can hinder logistics.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with the town of Dundo, which has a small museum on the history of diamond mining. The Cuango River and surrounding forests offer opportunities for ecotourism and birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates

-8.24940, 20.89860

Facts

Sociedade Mineira do Chitotolo was established in 1996.
The mine produces tens of thousands of carats of raw diamonds annually.
Operations focus on alluvial deposits along the Cuango river basin.
Endiama holds a 35% stake in the mining enterprise.
The mine employs specialized suction dredges and sorting plants.
Chitotolo is famous for the discovery of rare, large-sized diamonds.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lucapa25 km · SWExplore →

Dundo90 km · EExplore →

Kassai103 km · NEExplore →

Lunda Norte Farm103 km · SExplore →

Camanangue108 km · SWExplore →

Catoca Diamond Mine138 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Chitotolo diamond mine?

Chitotolo is a diamond mine in Angola with importance for the mining sector. It is among the country’s better-known resource sites.

Is the mine accessible?

Only very limited. Active mines are generally not open to tourists and require permission or accompaniment.

When is the best time to travel to this area?

The dry season is the most reliable, because access roads stay better. In the rainy season, gravel roads can become hard to use.

What is interesting nearby?

The region is strongly mining-oriented, with long distances and little classic infrastructure. For travelers, the resource context matters more than comfort.

What is Chitotolo known for?

Chitotolo is known for diamonds and for mining’s role in the local economy. The name points to resources and remote extraction sites.

Chitotolo Diamond Mine: where is it located?

Chitotolo Diamond Mine is located in Angola.

Chitotolo Diamond Mine: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Chitotolo Diamond Mine: why is it worth visiting?

The Chitotolo diamond mine, located in Lunda Norte Province, is one of Angola's most significant sites for alluvial diamond mining.

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