DRC diamond mines map showing major mining areas (Mbuji-Mayi/MIBA, Tshikapa–Kwango, Kasai alluvials)

Historic Diamond Fields & Mines in the DRC

Kasai — Tshikapa & Lower Kwango Alluvial Fields

Diamonds were first reported near Tshikapa in 1907, triggering large-scale colonial-era prospecting and river-gravel mining in the Kasai–Kwango basin. Operations led by Forminière exploited high-grade placers along the Kasai and Kwango (Cuango) systems through much of the 20th century; activity later declined but artisanal washing persists today. Sources: Britannica (Tshikapa overview); GIA “History of Diamond Sources in Africa”; McKechnie 2019 on early-1900s Tshikapa discoveries; Forminière history.

Kasai-Oriental — Mbuji-Mayi Kimberlite Field (Bakwanga–Tshibwe)

In 1918 diamonds were found near Bakwanga (now Mbuji-Mayi). Systematic work in 1946 recognized the kimberlite pipes that feed local placers; later discoveries included the Tshibwe cluster (1956). After independence, state-backed MIBA took over from Forminière and for decades became one of the world’s largest producers by volume—mostly industrial goods from primary and eluvial sources around Mbuji-Mayi. Sources: Forminière/MIBA histories; technical notes on the Mbuji-Mayi kimberlite province; Mindat (MIBA locality).



Other River Basins — Kasai–Lomami–Sankuru

Beyond the core fields, extensive secondary (alluvial/eluvial) deposits occur across central Congo basins. The lower Kwango terraces and modern channel remain important for artisanal recovery, and cross-border geology ties DRC placers to Angola’s Cuango system. Mining is still dominated by hand methods in many districts. Sources: Kwango/Cuango alluvial studies; TIME photo report on artisanal mining in the DRC.

Two kimberlite provinces are recognized: diamondiferous Mbuji-Mayi (Kasai-Oriental) and largely non-diamondiferous Kundelungu (Katanga). Historically, DRC output has been overwhelmingly alluvial and artisanal; long-term industrial mining from primary sources has centered on Mbuji-Mayi (MIBA) with more recent operations by SACIM. Sources: geologic reviews of DRC kimberlites; MIBA/SACIM company reports and news.

DRC’s Most Historic & Largest Diamonds

Golden Canary (formerly “The Incomparable”)

Current cut: 303.10 ct, Fancy Deep Brownish-Yellow, Internally Flawless (recut 2022). Prior: 407.48 ct shield-shaped “Incomparable.” Rough: ~890 ct. Discovery: early 1980s, Mbuji-Mayi (from MIBA dump material). Notes: Recut unveiled in 2022 and sold at Sotheby’s New York in Dec. 2022. Sources: Katerina Perez (story & specs); JCK / National Jeweler (recut & sale); Langerman / InternetStones (origin details).

Golden Canary Diamond

Millennium Star

Cut weight: 203.04 ct, D-color, Internally & Externally Flawless pear brilliant. Rough: 777 ct. Discovery: 1990, alluvial gravels near Mbuji-Mayi (then Zaire). Notes: Cut by Steinmetz; centerpiece of De Beers’ Millennium collection (1999). Sources: Wikipedia “Millennium Star”; GIA exhibition note; lists of largest rough diamonds.



Summary

The DRC’s diamond story began with rich early-20th-century placers at Tshikapa–Kwango and matured around the diamondiferous kimberlites of Mbuji-Mayi. Production has long been dominated by alluvial and artisanal output, with MIBA anchoring industrial mining. The country is linked to two of modern diamond lore’s marquee stones—the Incomparable (now the Golden Canary) and the D-flawless Millennium Star—both sourced from Mbuji-Mayi gravels. Primary references: GIA histories of African diamond sources; Forminière/MIBA historical summaries.

For information on famous diamonds, visit our Diamond Page.

Datasets: U.S. Geological Survey, Major Mineral Deposits of the World, Open-File Report 2005-1294. Data portal