DiamondBuzz
Japan, US Weigh Synthetic Diamond Facility to Strengthen Strategic Supply Chains
Industrial lab-grown diamonds for semiconductors and advanced manufacturing may be part of Japan’s planned $550 billion investment push into the US.
Japan and the United States are exploring the establishment of a synthetic diamond manufacturing facility in the US as part of Japan’s proposed $550 billion investment programme, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter.
The proposed plant would focus on the production of lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) for industrial use, including applications in semiconductors, precision cutting tools and other advanced manufacturing technologies. Synthetic diamonds are increasingly viewed as a critical input for high-end industries due to their durability, thermal conductivity and performance advantages.
Discussions come amid rising concerns in Washington and Tokyo over global supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly the heavy reliance on China, which currently dominates synthetic diamond production. China has also imposed export controls on certain strategic materials, heightening the urgency for alternative supply sources.
The project could be among the early initiatives announced ahead of a potential visit by Japan’s prime minister to Washington. Companies such as Element Six, the industrial diamond arm of the De Beers Group, are said to be potential participants, while Japanese state-backed institutions may provide financial support.
Sources cautioned that talks are still at an early stage and no formal agreements have yet been finalised.
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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