DiamondBuzz
G7 traceability mechanism implementation delayed for a second time
Plans to support diamond sanctions on Russia with a blockchain-backed traceability mechanism have been delayed for a second time.The G7 and EU nations originally intended to implement the scheme on 1 September 2024, but in June 2024 it was put back to March 2025. And last week it was delayed again, until 1 January 2026.
The announcement was made last week in the 16th sanctions package against Russia, marking the third anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine.The postponement has been widely welcomed within the industry, where many feel the introduction would otherwise be rushed and poorly planned.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) said an additional 10 months would give diamond companies time to prepare properly. The new sanctions package also requires diamond traders importing rough diamonds of mixed origin to present a Kimberley Process certificate listing all countries of origin “At this stage, there is still considerable uncertainty about how the traceability system will function and how it will be governed, and the G7 must first clarify these aspects,” said CEO Karen Rentmeesters
DiamondBuzz
De Beers Sale Nearing Final Stage: Al Cook
Potential Buyers Are Understood To Include A Consortium Comprising African Governments and Private-Sector Investors
The long-awaited sale of De Beers appears to be entering its final phase, with Chief Executive Officer Al Cook indicating that a transaction could be completed within weeks.
Cook said the divestiture process is “closer than it has ever been” and expressed confidence that a deal would be concluded sooner rather than later.
According to Cook, negotiations have been extensive and the process has now reached a critical stage. Potential buyers are understood to include a consortium comprising African governments and private-sector investors.
Botswana, which currently holds a 15 percent stake in De Beers, has shown interest in increasing its participation, alongside Angola and Namibia. Several commercially focused investment groups are also reportedly evaluating opportunities.
The sale comes as De Beers continues to grapple with challenging market conditions. Weak global demand for natural diamonds has prompted cost-cutting measures, including plans to reduce annual overheads by approximately $100 million. Parent company Anglo American has repeatedly written down the value of the diamond business amid declining sales and rising inventories.
According to Anglo American’s 2025 financial report released in February 2026, De Beers’ enterprise value has fallen to $2.3 billion, a sharp decline from $9.2 billion in 2023.
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