DiamondBuzz
Israel Diamond Exchange quits WFDB amid tariff dispute
The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) has suspended its membership in the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), citing dissatisfaction with the organisation’s conduct during the ongoing US import tariff crisis, Rapaport News reported.
In a letter to WFDB Secretary-General Rony Unterman on 8th April, the IDE board said the decision followed unanswered requests for information and actions that had harmed Israel’s diamond trade. IDE President Nissim Zuaretz told Rapaport the move was triggered by WFDB President Yoram Dvash’s comments in Calcalist, where he criticised country-specific lobbying and promoted a global strategy for tariff exemptions.
Zuaretz accused Dvash of trying to take credit for advocacy led by the World Diamond Council (WDC), potentially jeopardising Israel’s own efforts. Dvash denied the claims, telling Rapaport they were “untrue and frankly absurd,” and emphasised the WFDB’s ongoing collaboration with the WDC.
Zuaretz said the IDE would shift focus to partnerships with the WDC and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), while also saving over $29,000 in annual fees. Dvash described IDE’s withdrawal as “rash,” warning it could weaken global unity at a critical time for the industry.
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.
Lesotho’s Kao Diamond Mine To Halt Operations Amid Industry Slump
MCX Gold Higher On Ceasefire Hopes, Crude Oil Price Dip
GIA To Open London Campus In August, Enrolling Students For Classes Beginning In August 2026
Harit Zaveri Jewellers Celebrates A Bride’s Royal Spirit In An Indian Wedding With Its New Polki Collection
Ekta Kapoor Turns Investor, Targets India’s $70 Billion Jewellery Opportunity With Ekatra Jewels
Treasures By Tiara Unveils Mumbai Flagship and Café Concept At Cumballa Hill
-
National News11 hours agoHarit Zaveri Jewellers Celebrates A Bride’s Royal Spirit In An Indian Wedding With Its New Polki Collection
-
GlamBuzz13 hours agoEkta Kapoor Turns Investor, Targets India’s $70 Billion Jewellery Opportunity With Ekatra Jewels
-
National News15 hours agoTreasures By Tiara Unveils Mumbai Flagship and Café Concept At Cumballa Hill
-
National News1 day agoGJC Addresses HUID Data Exposure Issue With BIS, Corrective Measures Are Currently Being Initiated
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.