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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.

Diamonds Updates


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... 


A diamond being processed for addition to the Tracr platform
GIA to acquire 30% stake in De Beers-backed Tracr
29th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 30% shareholding in Tracr, the De Beers Group-backed company behind the development of the pioneering... 


The Finsch diamond mine
Petra places Finsch mine in business rescue, takes further steps to cut costs
29th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Amid continued weakness in the diamond market, London-listed Petra Diamonds has decided to place its Finsch mine, in South Africa, in business rescue in order to protect the overall business. CEO... 


A hand holding gold nuggets
Landslide at Angola illegal gold mine kills 28
25th May 2026 By: Reuters

At least 28 people were killed when a landslide struck an illegal gold mining site in Angola's northwestern Bengo province, local authorities said, in one of the country's deadliest illegal mining... 


Botswana Minerals chairperson John Teeling
AI-assisted exploration analysis identifies copper targets in Botswana
21st May 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Aim- and Botswana Stock Exchange-listed copper and diamond exploration company Botswana Minerals has announced that an AI-assisted exploration study across two of its eight northern Botswana... 


An ad announcing the theme of Mining Indaba 2027
Mining Indaba strengthens its focus on turning partnerships into tangible deliveries
19th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

As preparations begin for the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2027, the event is sharpening its focus on how partnerships across African mining translate into practical outcomes and investment... 


An image of Ronnie VanderLinden
WDC appoints new president, VP
8th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Ronnie VanderLinden was appointed the new president of industry organisation the World Diamond Council (WDC) at its 2026 AGM, in Antwerp, Belgium on May 7, succeeding Feriel Zerouki. Taking office... 


Kimberley Process 2026 chair Suchindra Misra
Kimberley Process urged to evolve as traceability, consumer expectations rise
8th May 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

The Kimberley Process (KP) needs to consider how it can strengthen digital communication in its work, while addressing emerging risks such as financial integrity, and develop robust traceability... 


An image of BME's AXXIS Titanium system
Blasting solution meets Zambia’s complex geology demands
8th May 2026

Owing to the complexity and variability of Southern Africa’s geology, mining operations require innovative, robust technology capable of custom blast patterns. Explosives manufacturer BME’s... 


UCT-led study reveals clues to the origin of the world’s largest diamonds
UCT-led study reveals clues to the origin of the world’s largest diamonds
5th May 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

The conditions under which the world's rarest and most valuable gem-quality diamonds – referred to as Cullinan-like, large, inclusion-poor, pure, irregular and resorbed (CLIPPIR) – form have... 


The Walviskop mineral sands operation
Kazera extends, increases unsecured loan facility
30th April 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Aim-listed Kazera Global says it has agreed with its lender, Kazera interim CEO and director Richard Jennings, to extend and increase an unsecured loan facility originally entered into in August... 


The Venetia underground mine
De Beers's first-quarter output up 17% y/y, despite ongoing challenging trading conditions
28th April 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Diamond miner De Beers's rough diamond production increased by 17% year-on-year to 7.1-million carats for the quarter ended March 31, with the increase primarily driven by planned ore release from... 


Kimberley Process 2026 chair Suchindra Misra
Kimberley Process urged to evolve as traceability, consumer expectations rise
21st April 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

The Kimberley Process (KP) needs to consider how it can strengthen digital communication in its work, while addressing emerging risks such as financial integrity, and develop robust traceability... 


Ahmed Bin Sulayem
UAE KP chair updates UN General Assembly on 2025 achievements
16th April 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

United Arab Emirates (UAE) custodian chairperson of the Kimberley Process (KP) Ahmed Bin Sulayem addressed the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on April 15, presenting the UAE’s achievements under its... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
Green hydrogen projects and rising mining renewables in focus
10th April 2026

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer unpacks the steps South Africa is taking to initiate first-mover green hydrogen project development; renewable energy on the rise for platinum, iron-ore and... 


Koruson wind farm
Koruson 2, South Africa – update
10th April 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

When fully operational, the Koruson 2 cluster is expected to abate about 2.2-million tonnes a year of CO2. 


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