The Government of Angola has begun the process of reissuing licences to 241 companies and semi-industrial diamond mining cooperatives across seven provinces of the country in a move that is expected to boost employment generation, according to media report.

The licences had earlier been revoked following allegations that they were being misused – supporting illegal entry of foreigners into the country and boosting illicit trade in diamonds

According to the reports, the decision was announced by national director of Mineral Resources André Buta at a meet to distribute the first 31 of the licenses in Lunda Norte. He is reported to have said that the step would lead to the creation of about 20,000 new jobs for the locals in the seven provinces.

The director was also reported to have warned the co-ops that failure to ensure security and transparency, and even the presence of non-authorised foreigners in the concession areas could lead to the licences being revoked again.

In addition to Lunda Norte, other provinces where the licences are being restored include Lunda Sul, Malanje, Kwanza Norte, Kwanza Sul and Uíge.

All rough diamonds recovered in these areas will have to be sold through Sodiam, the only official channel, the director was reported to have said, even as he told the companies and cooperatives that they have to take on the responsibility of providing basic social services to the people residing in the concession areas.