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Alrosa Reports Highest Customer Interest in Rough Diamonds in Eight Years

Since The Beginning Of 2026, Prices For Approximately 80% Of The Company’s Production By Value In The 2- To 10-Carat Category Have Increased By 6% To 9%.

Published

5 months ago

June 11, 2026

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Russian diamond mining company Alrosa has reported its strongest level of customer engagement in rough diamonds in the past eight years, with the number of product viewings conducted in May 2026 more than doubling compared with the corresponding period last year.

According to the company, client screenings of rough diamond assortments reached a record high, surpassing even the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. Demand was particularly robust for large diamonds weighing 10.8 carats and above, as well as rare fancy-coloured diamonds, reflecting heightened interest in premium and investment-oriented categories.

Alrosa noted that the trend underscores strengthening demand in the higher-value segment of the market. Since the beginning of 2026, prices for approximately 80% of the company’s production by value in the 2- to 10-carat category have increased by 6% to 9%. These rough diamonds are widely used in the manufacture of investment-grade polished stones.

Alrosa markets a significant share of its rough diamond production through competitive sales mechanisms, including auctions, tenders and electronic sales platforms. The company also facilitates spot sales through one-time transactions, providing buyers with flexible procurement options.

Product screenings are organised through Alrosa’s Unified Sales Organisation, which is responsible for the sorting, valuation and pre-sale preparation of Russian rough diamonds before they are offered to the market.

The latest data points to improving sentiment within select segments of the global rough diamond industry, particularly for large and rare stones, as constrained supply conditions and renewed interest from manufacturers and investors continue to support demand.

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DiamondBuzz

South African Task Team To Help Struggling Diamond Producers

The South African Government Has Partnered With Mining Industry Leaders To Form A Joint Task Team Aimed At Saving Jobs and Supporting Diamond Producers Facing Severe Market Pressures.

Published

19 hours ago

October 30, 2026

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The quick intervention follows major disruptions in the local sector, including Petra Diamonds placing its Finsch mine under business rescue and De Beers announcing a two-year production pause at Venetia, the country’s largest diamond mine.

In a parliamentary reply on October 26, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe confirmed that the team—which includes the Minerals Council South Africa and local diamond producers—will develop strategies to help mines survive current economic headwinds.

The immediate focus is finding practical solutions to protect operations across the entire sector, especially junior and small-scale miners who are being hit the hardest,

Key Industry Challenges

The local diamond sector faces a combination of falling global prices, rising operating costs, and intense competition from lab-grown synthetic diamonds. Official figures highlight the severity of the crisis:

Production Downturn: South African diamond output dropped 19.5% year-to-date through August.

Commodity Slump: According to Statistics South Africa, diamond mining was the weakest-performing mining sub-sector in August, with output falling 23.0% in the three months ending August compared to the previous three months.

Significant Mine Reductions: De Beers reported a 37% year-on-year drop in South African production for Q3 2026 (down to 418,000 carats) as operations wrap up ahead of Venetia’s pause. De Beers expects zero further production in South Africa for the remainder of 2026.

Price Pressures: Lower market values and a strong South African rand reduced average tender prices at the Finsch mine from $56 to $47 per carat, making ongoing operations unviable under current conditions.

The task team will focus on measures to ease cost pressures and address global market shifts. Further details regarding the team’s specific work plan, timelines, and financial resources will be announced as proposals are finalized.