Botswana Government Halts Progress on HB Antwerp Diamond Deal

Botswana’s plan to acquire a 24% stake in Belgian gem trader HB Antwerp, initially proposed by the previous government, remains uncertain. The deal, announced in March 2023 by former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, was intended to challenge Botswana’s long-standing partnership with De Beers by allowing State-owned Okavango Diamond Company to receive polished rather than rough prices for some of its sales. However, the agreement was never finalized. “They were still conducting due diligence and never closed

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Gem Diamonds Boosts Profitability Amid Market Challenges

Despite a tough diamond market in 2024, London-listed Gem Diamonds delivered strong financial results, driven by cost containment, operational efficiencies, and strategic capital allocation, CEO Clifford Elphick reported. Global economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and geopolitical tensions weighed on diamond prices throughout the year. However, Gem Diamonds achieved a 10% revenue increase, reaching $154.2 million, primarily due to the sale of 13 diamonds exceeding 100 carats each. Cost-cutting measures contributed to a 95% surge in EBITDA,

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Alrosa’s Profit Plunges Amid Sanctions and Weak Diamond Demand

Alrosa’s profit and revenue declined sharply in 2024, as sanctions on Russian diamonds and weak market demand weighed on its financial performance. The company reported a profit of RUB 19.25 billion ($215.3 million) for the year, a steep drop from RUB 85.18 billion ($952.8 million) in 2023. Revenue fell 26% to RUB 239.07 billion ($2.67 billion). Beyond reduced consumer demand due to sanctions, Alrosa recorded a RUB 4.98 billion ($55.6 million) impairment on property, plant,

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Lucapa Diamond Company Narrows Losses Despite Market Challenges

Lucapa Diamond Company reported a net loss of $1.5 million for 2024, significantly improving from its $17.2 million loss in 2023. The company attributed the decline to lower diamond prices, production disruptions, and challenging market conditions. Lucapa’s annual revenue dropped 31% to $54.5 million, reflecting a weaker pricing environment. Operations at the Lulo mine in Angola were impacted by flooding, while geopolitical and economic uncertainties further pressured diamond prices. The company also faced infrastructure challenges,

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Debswana Accelerates Sustainability Drive with Decarbonization and Renewable Energy Initiatives

Debswana Diamond Company is advancing its sustainability efforts to meet the rising global demand for ethically and environmentally sourced diamonds. The mining giant is intensifying its transition to a low-carbon future by enhancing operational efficiencies, adopting renewable energy, and advocating for regulatory reforms. Speaking on the company’s sustainability strategy, Debswana’s Executive Head of Safety and Sustainability, Mpho Mosate, underscored the company’s commitment to reducing emissions. “As a high-production entity, we recognize our responsibility to minimize

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Botswana Diamonds Secures Mining Permit for Thorny River Project

Botswana Diamonds (LON: BOD) has successfully secured a mining permit for its Thorny River project in South Africa’s Limpopo province, marking a significant step toward potential diamond production. Located near the depleted Marsfontein diamond mine, Thorny River has undergone extensive geological exploration, including geophysics, drilling, and bulk sampling. Early results indicate that the geology and grades at Thorny River are comparable to those at the past-producing Klipspringer mine to the west. Previously, Botswana Diamonds operated

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Africa Produces 60% of the World’s Diamonds ADPA President Highlights Industry Challenges

Africa contributes 60% of global diamond production, the president of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), Wiston Chitando, announced on Thursday in Luanda. Chitando, who also serves as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mineral Resources, made the statement during the inauguration of ADPA’s new headquarters. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Africa’s diamond sector. He emphasized that Africa’s diamond industry remains strong despite global market challenges, particularly the rise of synthetic diamonds. “We are determined to move

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New Headquarters of the African Diamond Producers Association Inaugurated in Luanda

The headquarters of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) was officially inaugurated in Luanda on Thursday by Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Winston Chitando. According to Azevedo, the delivery of ADPA’s new headquarters fulfills the Angolan government’s commitment to providing suitable facilities for the association. “Today, we are formally handing over the ADPA headquarters, the result of joint efforts by three Angolan ministries, namely the Ministry

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Angola’s Mining Minister Calls for Greater Attention to Global Diamond Market Challenges

Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, emphasized the need for heightened attention to the challenges currently facing the global and African diamond industry. Speaking at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) in Luanda, Azevedo pointed to falling natural diamond prices, competition from synthetic diamonds, and increased pressure for diamond traceability as key issues affecting the sector. “We must adapt to this new landscape and

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Angola’s SODIAM to Auction 36 Special Diamonds Online

Angola’s National Diamond Trading Company (SODIAM) will auction 36 special diamonds, weighing approximately 10.80 carats, in an online bidding process from March 5 to 12, 2024. According to a press release cited by Lusa, the auction is being organized in collaboration with Trans Atlantic Gem Sales. The auction will feature diamonds from several mines, including Luele (12 stones), Catoca (11), Kaipexa (6), Lulo (3), Chitotolo (2), Tchegi (1), and Somiluana (1). Bidding will close at

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