Rio Tinto reported a significant 27% year-on-year increase in diamond production for Q1 2025, reaching 942,000 carats compared to 740,000 carats in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily driven by operational improvements at the Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Rio Tinto’s sole operating diamond asset. The strong quarterly performance marks a robust recovery after a volatile 2024, positioning the diamond division for a stronger 2025.

The Diavik mine processed 394,000 tonnes of ore in Q1 2025, up from both Q1 and Q4 2024, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and throughput. The Q1 2025 output is a marked rebound from the 542,000 carats produced in Q3 2024, when production was hampered by temporary mine closures due to safety concerns.

The Diavik mine is currently Rio Tinto’s only diamond-producing asset, following the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia in 2020.

The surge in output is attributed to: Successful ramp-up of underground mining at the A21 pipe, following the completion of the first phase of development. Increased ore processing volumes and improved operational efficiency. Recovery from previous disruptions, including a temporary shutdown in Q3 2024 due to ground instability in the A154 underground region.

The extension of Diavik’s mine life signals confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the diamond industry, even as global supply and demand dynamics remain volatile.

The video Beyond Shining Illusions, released by the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KP CSC), offers a powerful and eye-opening look at the often hidden truths behind large-scale diamond mining in countries such as Sierra Leone, Lesotho, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through real stories and interviews with local people, the video challenges the claims made by the Kimberley Process (KP) and calls attention to the ongoing issues affecting mining communities.

Since its founding in 2003, the Kimberley Process has aimed to prevent the sale of “conflict diamonds”—those used by rebel groups to fund wars against legitimate governments. According to the KP, 99% of diamonds in the market today are “conflict-free.” However, the KP CSC argues that this definition is too narrow and outdated. While it may seem that the problem is almost solved, the video reveals that many serious problems still exist, just under a different name.

In the 17-minute documentary, we hear directly from people who live near or work in diamond mines. They talk about the violence they face from security forces that protect mining operations, as well as the health risks caused by pollution from blasting and waste management. The voices of these communities are usually not included in the shiny advertisements and positive messages often associated with diamonds.

What makes this video especially important is its mission to go beyond the surface and show the full truth. The KP CSC wants to broaden the definition of “conflict diamonds” to include harm caused by governments and corporations, not just rebel groups. They also want to highlight environmental damage and human rights abuses that are still happening today.

In conclusion, Beyond Shining Illusions is a necessary reminder that the beauty of diamonds often hides a painful and complex reality. we need to look beyond marketing messages and learn the full story behind the things we value. Only then can we support real changes that help protect people and the environment in mining communities around the world.

India’s polished diamond exports fell sharply by 16.8% in the fiscal year ending March 2025, totaling $13.29 billion, according to data released by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This marks one of the weakest annual performances for the sector in the last two decades, although not the lowest on record—as has been mistakenly reported in some outlets. The lowest figure in recent history remains $12.3 billion in 2005, following $10.3 billion in 2004. In comparison, polished diamond exports for FY2023–24 stood at $15.97 billion.

The broader gem and jewellery export sector also saw a significant downturn. Total exports for FY2024–25 declined by 11.7% to $28.5 billion, the lowest level in four years. Industry leaders have attributed the slump to multiple global challenges, including softening demand in India’s primary export markets—the United States and China—amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

However, recent monthly data suggests the downturn may be stabilizing. Polished diamond exports in March 2025 registered a marginal year-on-year dip of just 0.76%, amounting to $1.16 billion. Meanwhile, total gem and jewellery exports for the month posted a modest 1% growth, reaching $2.58 billion. These signs of resilience have sparked cautious optimism that the sector may be on the path to recovery.