Copper is the mainstay of the industry, but production has fallen progressively. Angola Angola is mineral rich, but unfortunately the civil war has prevented development of the countries mineral industry. If the peace holds, Angola will probably emerge as an interesting minerals story. Recoverable reserves are estimated at over 5 bn barrels, making Angola sub-Saharan Africa's biggest producer after Nigeria. International companies involved in the industry include, Chevron, Elf Aquitaine, AGIP, Petrofina, Texaco involved.
Diamonds are the second most important mineral derived currently from Angola.
Most of Angola's diamonds are mined from alluvial operations in Lunda Norte, chiefly the Cuango division. The region is also known to contain diamond bearing kimberlite pipes, some of which could be economically viable if mined by bulk methods. Endiama, the state operator, has an agreement with De Beers for sale of diamonds and the re-organisation of the sector. The CAR is one of the world's top ten diamond producers. There is also significant production from small scale independent mining of alluvial deposits.