DiamondBuzz
The Reality of The Diamond Industry; All You Need To Know
Over the past 18 months, we have significantly enhanced this report, incorporating new data and insights that reflect the evolving landscape of the diamond industry
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The Natural Diamond Council recently released the second edition of the Diamond Facts Report, continuing its mission to dispel myths and protect consumers from misinformation about the diamond industry. This report serves as a comprehensive guide, offering accurate and transparent information to help consumers make informed choices, backed by updated data. By addressing key questions and providing insights, the report reinforces NDC’s commitment to educating and empowering buyers while supporting the integrity of the natural diamond industry.
Highlights from the NEW Diamond Facts Report:
● Positive impact of natural diamonds with new examples from producing countries
The natural diamond industry supports 10 million livelihoods globally. NDC member companies contribute to communities through local employment, sourcing, and investments in health, education, and infrastructure, aiming to share the mine’s success and prepare communities for post-closure stability.
● Environmental stewardship
The majority of our manufacturing partners in India are adopting renewable energy and implementing sustainable practices throughout their operations. Efforts include using solar and wind energy, achieving Net Zero goals, reforestation projects, and investments in biodiversity and water management to create lasting environmental benefits.
● Diamond verification
The Natural Diamond Council started the ASSURE Program in 2019 to test how well Diamond Verification Instruments work. The results, including details on accuracy, false positive rates, and referral rates, are available in the ASSURE Directory.
● Updated information on pricing and production
Laboratory-grown diamond prices have dropped significantly, with a 1.5-carat stone declining 83% since 2015. Natural diamonds, with prices influenced by rarity, have shown a long-term annual growth rate of 3% since 1970 and a 2% yearly increase in rough diamond prices since 2007, despite market fluctuations
● Disclosure and diamond terminology
Legal definitions and advertising guidelines are in place to protect consumers and ensure they can clearly distinguish between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds.
● Traceability and responsible sourcing of natural diamonds
The diamond industry is heavily regulated under the Kimberley Process, established by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, ensuring all rough diamond trade is conflict-free. A strong system of checks and balances, including audits of major industry players, upholds the importance of ethical sourcing.
● Responsible mine closure
It takes, on an average, 10 years to open a mine. Having a closure plan is a prerequisite to opening a mine, in addition to social and environmental impact assessments which are audited, approved, and monitored by governments and local communities.
David Kellie, CEO of Natural Diamond Council said, “Natural diamonds are Earth’s real treasures, exceptionally rare, responsibly sourced in a way that supports livelihoods and contributes to conservation efforts around the world. This new edition of Diamond Facts sets out to address the most common myths about the diamond industry, covering everything from synthetic diamonds to natural stones mined from deep underground.
We also encourage you to explore our other reports in this series, including Diamonds of Canada. We will regularly be issuing reports in partnership with leading experts, data organisations and diamond industry representatives.”
Richa Singh, Managing Director, NDC India and Middle East said, “Diamonds have long been symbols of enduring value and connection, carrying a legacy that extends beyond their inherent beauty. This latest edition of Diamond Facts reflects our commitment to providing transparent, data-driven insights and highlighting the positive social and economic contributions of the diamond industry in producing countries. Showcasing India’s role as a global leader in diamond manufacturing, the report empowers consumers and retailers to make informed choices.”.
NDC is committed to sharing education and transparency throughout the natural diamond industry. Along with the Diamonds of Canada report, these studies will serve as additional assets to complement NDC’s Education Program giving retailers and consumers the information they need right at their fingertips.
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DiamondBuzz
Wealthy Russians Surge in Investment-Grade Diamond Purchases Amid Market Uncertainty
Demand for polished diamonds up by 60% as individuals diversify portfolios with gemstones following VAT abolition and growing financial volatility.
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Wealthy Russians are increasingly turning to investment-grade diamonds, with purchases of polished stones rising by 60% last year, according to VTB, the country’s second-largest bank. This surge in demand is attributed to the government’s decision to abolish VAT on diamond purchases, which has made gemstones a more attractive investment option.
Oksana Semenenko, vice president at VTB and head of its private banking division, explained that the rarity and uniqueness of diamonds make them especially appealing during times of rising financial market instability and tighter investment restrictions. Many affluent clients are now incorporating alternative investments, including diamonds, into their portfolios, typically allocating 5-10% of their assets to these tangible assets for diversification.
This shift comes amid increasing sanctions from the G7 and restrictions on Russian currency, which have impacted Russian diamond exports. In response, Alrosa, the state-run diamond mining giant, is turning to alternative markets to sell its goods. The company’s Diamond Exclusive program focuses on polishing its largest and highest-quality diamonds, particularly stones of 3 carats or more, to be sold directly to investors through partnerships with VTB and other financial institutions.
DiamondBuzz
Newfield Resources Set to Partner with ACA Resources for Sierra Leone’s Tongo Diamond Mine
Agreement to manage Tongo diamond deposit operations could lead to a sustainable long-term partnership aimed at producing high-quality diamonds.
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Australian mining company Newfield Resources is on track to bring in a new partner for its Tongo diamond deposit in Sierra Leone. Newfield has entered into a non-binding term sheet with ACA Resources, another Australian-based miner, to oversee the mine’s operations.
If the deal is finalized before June, ACA will assume control of all mining activities at Tongo, charging Newfield a fee per carat of diamonds produced. Both companies are committed to making the Tongo mine a long-term, sustainable producer of high-quality diamonds in Sierra Leone.
Newfield acquired the Tongo mine in March 2018 for $23.6 million through its purchase of London-based Stellar Diamonds. Prior to Newfield’s acquisition, the mine was owned by Israeli businessman Beny Steinmetz, through Koidu Holdings, where he held a controlling stake.
In May 2022, the first diamond sales from Tongo, totaling 5,200 carats, earned an average price of $262 per carat. Since then, Newfield has invested $80 million into the mine, including the construction of 2 kilometers of underground infrastructure. The mine is expected to have an eight-year life, with peak annual diamond production estimated at 260,000 carats by the fifth year of operations.
DiamondBuzz
Rio Tinto Reports 37% Drop in Diamond Revenue for 2024
Challenges at Diavik mine and broader market conditions lead to significant financial loss in Rio Tinto’s diamond segment.
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Rio Tinto’s diamond revenue for 2024 fell by 37% to $279 million, largely driven by difficulties at its Diavik mine in Canada and the broader downturn in the diamond market. The company reported a loss of $127 million for the diamond segment, a sharp contrast to the previous year’s underlying earnings of $26 million. Despite the tough market conditions, Rio Tinto reaffirmed its focus on responsible sourcing and operational efficiency as key priorities moving forward.
The year was further marked by a tragic incident at the Diavik mine, where several team members were among the victims of a plane crash in January. This added to the operational challenges faced by the company during an already difficult period. Despite these setbacks, Rio Tinto has emphasized its commitment to managing the operation responsibly and efficiently, as it navigates the ongoing industry challenges.
With a challenging market outlook and operational difficulties, Rio Tinto continues to focus on adapting to market conditions while upholding its dedication to sustainable and ethical practices in diamond mining.
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