DiamondBuzz
Alrosa and Sber Forge AI Partnership to Revolutionize Diamond Mining Operations
Alrosa, one of the world’s largest diamond producers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Sber, Russia’s leading financial and technology services group, to implement artificial intelligence (AI) across its mining operations. The agreement was signed during the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev and Sberbank Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov.
This collaboration aims to integrate advanced AI tools such as computer vision, image recognition, and video analytics to enhance safety, improve quality control, and enable real-time monitoring across Alrosa’s production sites. The technologies are expected to minimize human error and optimize equipment diagnostics, logistics, and on-site road safety.
A major component of the initiative is the incorporation of large language models (LLMs) into Alrosa’s daily operations. These AI-powered assistants will accelerate document preparation, automate data analysis, and provide instant access to geological records through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, delivering precise insights from tens of thousands of technical reports in seconds.
In addition to deployment, the partnership will focus on co-developing algorithms, building training datasets, and sharing machine learning expertise. These joint efforts are geared toward increasing efficiency, lowering operational costs, and supporting Alrosa’s broader digital transformation goals.

“Digitalisation is a strategic direction for Alrosa. Our ambitious AI roadmap, in partnership with Sber, marks a new chapter in operational innovation and sustainability,” said Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev.
Sberbank’s Anatoly Popov emphasized the significance of the alliance: “Alrosa produces over a quarter of the world’s diamonds, making it a vital partner. AI technologies like computer vision and LLMs will unlock unprecedented gains in productivity and product quality. This partnership cements our commitment to co-develop cutting-edge solutions that position Alrosa at the forefront of global diamond mining.”
DiamondBuzz
Lesotho’s Kao Diamond Mine To Halt Operations Amid Industry Slump
The Mine’s Operator, Storm Mountain, Cited A Severe Financial Crisis Driven By A Prolonged Drop In Global Rough-diamond Prices, Rising Middle East Conflict
Lesotho’s largest diamond mine, Kao, will cease operations on June 30 and transition to care and maintenance. The mine’s operator, Storm Mountain, cited a severe financial crisis driven by a prolonged drop in global rough-diamond prices, rising Middle East conflict-related fuel costs, and stiff competition from lab-grown diamonds.
Despite a warning last October that the mine required $13 million in fresh capital to survive, the necessary investment did not materialise. According to CEO Neo Hoala, the steep market decline made continued operations unsustainable. The shutdown will impact roughly 750 workers.
The mine’s financial downturn is stark: in 2024, Storm Mountain sold 250,000 carats for $50 million—a massive drop from its $105 million revenue in 2022. Kao’s suspension reflects a broader crisis in the diamond sector, following recent insolvencies and closures at Canada’s Ekati mine and South Africa’s Ekapa and Finsch mines.
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