Karpinsky-2 holds more than 40 million tonnes of diamond-bearing ore and was first evaluated in 2018 through pilot mining operations, which confirmed its commercial viability. Preparatory work for full development began earlier this year, and the project officially moved into the design phase during a recent visit by ALROSA CEO Pavel Marinychev.

Marinychev, who personally launched the design stage, also assessed Severalmaz’s performance for 2025 during his visit. In the first five months of the year, the company surpassed its ore extraction targets and improved operational efficiency, resulting in a 9.4% increase in ore processing. These gains translated into the production of more than 1.2 million carats of rough diamonds.

The CEO also reviewed progress on a new water recycling system at the Lomonosov processing plant and emphasized the importance of completing a gym facility for workers at the shift village by year-end, highlighting the company’s focus on both sustainability and employee well-being.

“I am sure that the work of the Severalmaz team will drive the enterprise’s continued growth. We remain committed to providing safe working conditions and contributing to the development of the Arkhangelsk region,” Marinychev stated.

ALROSA, which produces about 30% of the world’s diamonds and 90% of Russia’s output, reported production of 33 million carats in 2024. The company’s proven reserves exceed 1 billion carats, solidifying its position as the global leader in diamond mining.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Namibia on July 9, part of a five-nation tour that also includes Ghana, Argentina, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago. The trip marks Modi’s first official visit to the Southern African nation and underscores New Delhi’s ambition to deepen economic ties in the diamond sector.

While Indian firms such as Ankit Gems and KGK already run cutting and polishing units in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, rough stones currently reach India indirectly via other global trading hubs. Modi’s visit is expected to pave the way for more direct diamond shipments, streamlining trade flows between the two countries.

Namibia ranks as the world’s fifth-largest diamond producer by value and volume, according to Kimberley Process data, and is especially known for its rich marine diamond reserves, estimated at over 80 million carats.

The agenda extends beyond gemstones. Modi is also set to discuss cooperation on critical minerals and uranium—resources vital to India’s clean energy ambitions and energy security. During the visit, he is scheduled to address the Namibian Parliament, signaling the strategic importance New Delhi places on closer engagement with Africa’s resource-rich economies.

De Beers Group has officially launched Origin, a pioneering initiative that brings blockchain technology to the heart of the natural diamond trade, offering consumers an unprecedented level of traceability, authenticity, and ethical assurance.

Each diamond in the Origin collection is individually verified and traceable, allowing customers to follow its journey from deep earth formation to expert craftsmanship and final retail presentation. The initiative is powered by tamper-proof blockchain technology, ensuring a secure and transparent record of each diamond’s provenance.

“As a brand, we understand that modern consumers value not just beauty, but also trust and purpose,” said De Beers during the launch. “Origin is our vision for a diamond industry that is transparent, ethical, and built on authenticity.”

The Origin platform not only affirms the diamond’s natural origin but also highlights its social and environmental impact—detailing the positive contributions made in the local communities where the stones are mined.

A Retailer-Ready Revolution

For retail partners, Origin offers more than just ethically sourced brilliance. It comes bundled with:

• Experiential merchandising solutions
• Custom marketing assets
• Retail staff training tools

These assets are designed to connect with today’s values-driven consumers, who seek deeper meaning and verified ethical sourcing in luxury purchases.

Origin also integrates seamlessly into retailers’ loose diamond portfolios, offering flexibility alongside elevated consumer confidence in the integrity and ethical story behind every stone.

The launch aligns with De Beers’ broader mission to lead the natural diamond industry toward a more responsible, transparent, and future-ready standard—where luxury is inseparable from accountability.