De Beers’ rough diamond production rose 17% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 to 7.1 million carats, driven mainly by stronger output from Canada and South Africa, even as the miner continued to face difficult trading conditions.

Key highlights

• Production at Gahcho Kué in Canada jumped 163%, helped by the planned release of stockpiled ore from a new mining area.
• Venetia in South Africa posted a 53% increase, supported by higher underground ore processing.
• Botswana, which contributes more than two-thirds of De Beers’ diamonds, recorded a 5% rise in output.
• Namibia saw a 12% decline because of scheduled maintenance on two vessels at Debmarine Namibia, along with the decommissioning of two vessels.

Sales and pricing

Despite weaker pricing, rough sales during the quarter lifted revenue by nearly 25% year-on-year to $648 million . However, the average realised price fell 19% to $101 dollars per carat, reflecting softer market conditions.

Outlook

De Beers said trading conditions remain “challenged” because of ongoing industry pressure, geopolitical uncertainty and tariff-related headwinds. The company left its full-year 2026 production guidance unchanged at 21 million to 26 million carats.