Angola Launches Chiri Mining JV as Endiama and Rio Tinto Begin Diamond Exploration in Lunda Sul Angola’s state-owned Endiama and global mining company Rio Tinto have officially launched the Chiri Mining Company, a joint venture that will carry out diamond prospecting and exploration in the Lunda Sul province. The company was formally established during a ceremony attended by Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, marking a new phase in the country’s
De Beers Q1 Production Up 17% to 7.1M Carats as Botswana, Canada and South Africa Drive Growth Despite Price Decline Diamond producer De Beers reported a 17% year-on-year increase in rough diamond production to 7.1 million carats for the quarter ended March 31, driven mainly by planned ore releases at the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada and higher output from the Venetia underground mine in South Africa. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, production surged by 88%,
Kimberley Process Chair Calls for Digital Traceability and Stronger Compliance to Boost Global Diamond Certification Credibility The Kimberley Process (KP) must strengthen its digital communication systems and adopt more robust traceability standards to reinforce trust in the global diamond certification system, according to KP 2026 Chair Suchindra Misra. Misra, appointed by the Government of India to lead the initiative this year, emphasized the need to modernise the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to address emerging
Kimberley Process Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem Presents UAE Reforms as UN Backs Conflict-Free Diamond Trade Resolution Custodian chairperson of the Kimberley Process (KP), Ahmed Bin Sulayem, addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on April 15, outlining the United Arab Emirates’ achievements during its “Year of Best Practice” and introducing a UAE-led resolution titled “The Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict,” which was adopted by consensus. In a media statement, the Ministry of Economy of
Botswana signs strategic mineral, oil, and renewable energy agreements with Oman to diversify economy beyond diamonds Botswana has signed a series of agreements with Oman aimed at strengthening cooperation in mineral exploration, oil storage infrastructure, and renewable energy development, as the country accelerates efforts to diversify its economy beyond diamonds. The agreements were concluded during a state visit to Oman by President Duma Boko, where he held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. According to
President Duma Boko Travels to Oman to Secure Resource Partnerships and Financing for Potential De Beers Stake Expansion Botswana President Duma Boko is travelling to Oman to sign cooperation agreements covering natural resources and energy, as his administration works to strengthen the country’s position in leading diamond producer De Beers Group. Boko is scheduled to hold talks through Tuesday with Haitham bin Tariq, according to a statement issued by the president’s office on Sunday. The
Angola Produces 15.19 Million Carats of Diamonds in 2025, with UAE Accounting for Nearly 80% of Exports Angola increased its rough diamond production by 8% year-on-year to 15.19 million carats in 2025, exceeding the national target of 14.8 million carats, a senior government official said on Tuesday. The United Arab Emirates accounted for nearly 80% of the country’s diamond exports during the year. According to government data, the United Arab Emirates represented 78.6% of Angola’s
World Diamond Day 2026: GIA Reveals History and Science Behind Legendary Diamonds In honor of World Diamond Day on April 8, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has showcased some of the world’s most famous and fascinating diamonds it has examined over the decades. Since its founding in 1931, GIA has become the global authority in gemology, assessing over four million diamonds annually and uncovering the science, history, and rarity behind stones that have captivated
Petra Diamonds Sells 781,797 Carats in Q3 2026, Books Revenue from Rare Cullinan Blue Diamond Despite Ongoing Market Weakness Petra Diamonds, the London-listed diamond producer, sold 781,797 carats during the quarter ended March 31, the third quarter of its 2026 financial year. Quarterly revenue rose to $68 million, up from $49 million in the previous quarter. However, the average price declined to $87 per carat, an 11% drop from $98 per carat, reflecting a 15%
Lucara Diamond Raises $350m in Senior Secured Bonds to Fund Karowe Underground Project Completion in Botswana Canada-headquartered Lucara Diamond Corp has successfully closed a $350 million senior secured bond issuance, providing the financial certainty required to advance its Karowe Underground Project in Botswana through to completion. The five-year bonds carry a fixed annual coupon rate of 12.5%, with interest payments scheduled on a quarterly basis. Proceeds from the financing have been used to fully repay
