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Diamonds

Diamonds are precious gemstones composed of crystallised carbon and one of the most valuable natural commodities traded globally. They form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, typically brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions in kimberlite or lamproite pipes. The diamond industry encompasses exploration, mining, cutting, polishing and retail distribution, with applications spanning jewellery, industrial cutting tools and advanced technology components. Major diamond-producing regions include southern Africa, Russia, Canada and Australia, with Botswana, Russia and Canada ranking among the world's largest producers by value. The gemstone market is dominated by natural diamonds graded on the four Cs: carat weight, cut, clarity and colour, though laboratory-grown diamonds have gained market share in recent years. Diamond mining operations range from large-scale openpit and underground mines operated by multinational corporations to artisanal and small-scale mining in alluvial deposits. The sector is subject to certification schemes such as the Kimberley Process, designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade. Diamonds remain a critical export commodity for several African economies, particularly Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Angola, where the industry contributes significantly to government revenues and employment. Prices are influenced by global economic conditions, consumer demand in key markets such as the United States, China and India, and supply dynamics controlled by major producers and trading centres in Antwerp, Dubai and Mumbai. The industry has faced challenges including price volatility, competition from synthetic alternatives and evolving consumer preferences towards ethical sourcing and sustainability.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

South African diamond output plunges amid mine closures

Minerals Council South Africa economist André Lourens says the diamond industry is under severe pressure, with production down 6.1% for the first five months of 2026 as several operations announce stoppages and issue Section 189 retrenchment notices. Lourens warns that, without urgent support measures, further mine closures remain a real risk, part of a broader slowdown in South African mine output that contracted 4.5% year-on-year in May.

Botswana links diamond trade to Dubai hub

DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to connect Botswana's emerging commodities exchange, including diamonds, with Dubai's trading, finance and logistics ecosystem, creating Africa's first sister-hub trading corridor between Dubai and Gaborone. A first initiative will link the Okavango Diamond Company with the Dubai Diamond Exchange through coordinated tenders, with commercial tenders expected late in 2026.

De Beers cuts prices as sightholder base shrinks

De Beers has made some of its deepest ever price cuts, bringing official prices closer to secondary-market levels amid weak Chinese demand and synthetic-stone competition, alongside a reduction of its sightholder base from about 70 to between 45 and 50 buyers. Anglo American continues advanced efforts to sell the De Beers business.

Diamonds Updates


Anglo American's Los Bronces mine
Anglo flags first-half loss at diamonds, coal units; cuts copper cost outlook
23rd July 2026 By: Reuters

Anglo American reported broadly flat first-half copper production on Thursday and lowered its 2026 copper cost guidance, but said its diamonds and steelmaking coal businesses are expected to post... 


A map indicating the global distribution and regional exposure profile of baseline water stress for mining and metals facilities
Competition for water resources a risk to the global energy transition, warns ICMM
22nd July 2026 By: Chanel de Bruyn

Mining and metals advocacy group the ICMM warns that water availability could, in many regions, act as a constraint on the development of new mines and related facilities, particularly for the... 


Minerals Council South Africa economist André Lourens
South Africa's mine production weakens as commodity price support starts to fade – council
16th July 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Minerals Council South Africa economist André Lourens notes that the country's mining output contracted the first time in five months in May, which "proved particularly challenging on two fronts".... 


BSE chairperson Neo Mooki and DMCC chairperson and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem hold a signed document marking the partnership
DMCC, Botswana Stock Exchange Group sign MoU to expand market access for Botswana's commodity exports
15th July 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

International business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, DMCC, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Botswana Stock Exchange Group (BSE), operator of... 


A night view of the gold major Newmont’s Ahafo North project in Ghana
African mining sustainability gaining traction
10th July 2026 By: Halima Frost

Despite some impressive sustainability gains in the mining sector over the past decade, sustainable mining industry body ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan says progress in Africa displays inconsistencies... 


LDB president Charlotte Rose and DDE chairperson Ahmed Bin Sulayem
DMCC’s Dubai Diamond Exchange, London Diamond Bourse sign MoU to strengthen global diamond trade
8th July 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, has announced a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the... 


Parcels of rough diamonds
De Beers makes deep diamond price cuts for shrinking buyers club
7th July 2026 By: Bloomberg

De Beers has made some of the deepest ever cuts to its official diamond prices, potentially signaling an end to its years-long campaign to hold them well above the market rate. The cuts come at the... 


A generic image of a diamond
Diamond council reminds industry revised System of Warranties deadline is nearing
2nd July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Industry body the World Diamond Council has highlighted that the transition period to its revised System of Warranties will conclude on September 21. With fewer than three months remaining of the... 


Polished diamonds
Congo signs diamonds deal with Swiss firm ADEX
30th June 2026 By: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed an agreement with Switzerland-based diamond and gemstone technology firm ADEX Platform for the marketing of Congolese diamonds, under which they will... 


Botswana Minerals chairperson John Teeling
AI review uncovers historic copper mineralisation targets for Botswana Minerals
30th June 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Aim-listed Botswana Minerals has announced that an AI-driven review of legacy geological records identified primary copper sulphide and altered copper minerals in historical drill cores from holes... 


PAUL ZIMNISKY 
Angola emerged as Africa’s second largest diamond producer by value in 2024, with a total diamond output worth $1.41-billion
Angola rivals Botswana as top diamond supplier
26th June 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

Angola emerged as Africa’s second largest diamond producer by value in 2024, with a total diamond output worth $1.41-billion, marking a significant shift in the global diamond landscape that has... 


AVI KRAWITZ
The diamond industry is taking steps to give consumers assurance that the diamonds they purchase are ethically sourced and to give them the confidence to buy
Diamond industry at a turning point – expert
26th June 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

The natural diamond industry’s legacy operating model of scarcity driving desire and desire driving price is under strain and as the industry moves forward, producers and traders confront pressures... 


Businesses adapt as diamond industry evolves
Businesses adapt as diamond industry evolves
23rd June 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

As the natural diamond industry continues to navigate a challenging period, businesses across the pipeline are adapting to changing market conditions, evolving consumer behaviour and ongoing... 


Political settlements and the just transition
19th June 2026 By: Saliem Fakir

Political settlements theory helps us understand the drivers of systemic change, holding that the ambition of elites who control a country’s political and economic apparatus to decarbonise... 


De Beers CEO Al Cook
De Beers CEO sees sale of diamond firm in 'weeks not months'
17th June 2026 By: Reuters

A sale of De Beers, Anglo American's diamond unit, has never been closer, its CEO said on Tuesday, adding that a deal could come within weeks. Anglo put De Beers - one of the world's leading... 


People holding hands, with a diamond ring on the woman's hand
US consumers show preference for natural diamonds, De Beers report shows
11th June 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Diamond miner De Beers has shared its latest research on US consumer trends in its latest 'US Diamond Acquisition Study' report, which found that jewellery that includes natural diamonds are the... 


Rio Tinto's Diavik diamond mine, in Canada
Rio Tinto commits 30% more funds to Canadian communities
9th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

British-Australian multinational mining company Rio Tinto is increasing its yearly community investment commitment in Canada by 30% through the Rio Tinto Canada Fund (RTCF), bringing total yearly... 


An image of Omnia's building
Omnia delivers strong performance in challenging period
8th June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

JSE-listed Omnia achieved a strong performance for the financial year ended March 31, with its diversified business model and execution in its Agriculture and Mining segments enabling it to weather... 


Botswana Minerals chairperson John Teeling
AI spots Botswana copper targets
5th June 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Aim- and Botswana Shttps://preditor.creamermedia.co.za/article.view.php?a_id=721951&ct_id=1&op=edit#tock Exchange-listed copper and diamond exploration company Botswana Minerals has announced that... 


Dr Akinwumi Adesina
Former AfDB president Adesina appointed Diamonds for Development Fund chairperson
29th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

The Botswana government and De Beers have announced the appointment of former African Development Bank (AfDB) president Dr Akinwumi Adesina as chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund – a... 


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pqt: 0.199s - ct: 0.262s - 288pq - 2rq
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