Africa DIAMONDS

Diamonds in Africa

Several African countries have diamond deposits and the extent to which those deposits have been mined can differ significantly. South Africa is probably the best-known source of diamonds in Africa however diamonds are also mined in Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, DRC, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Angola, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Lesotho.

The history of diamond mining on the continent is long and sadly fraught with tragedy, however today there is a much more positive picture. Diamonds contribute to much more positive development and job creation today than ever before.

We have written extensively about the ethical issues that have impacted the diamond supply chain and you are interested you can read more here and here.

Diamond mining in Africa

We have written extensively about the ethical issues that have impacted the diamond supply chain and you are interested you can read more here and here.

African diamond mines

There are different types of diamond mine in Africa from the large-scale closed cast operations we see in South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania, to marine mining in Namibia and small-scale alluvial mining typical of Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Ivory Coast.

GIA Origin report

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the leading industry certification body and is responsible for the diamond grading chart that we use to grade diamonds. Since 2020 they have been offering an extra origin report which identifies where the diamond was mined. If a diamond comes with a diamond grading report and not a separate origin report then it is not possible to tell where a diamond has come from.

Issue of Diamond Act’s licenses

a diamond dealers license (to deal as buyer, seller and exporter)
a diamond cutting license (to polish for business or trade purpose)
a diamond tool-making license (to crush, alter, implement and set in tools for purpose of trade)
a diamond research license (to conduct research and test, not polish for purpose of business or trade).

Issue Permits in terms of Section 27( a – j);

Types of permits:

to possess an unpolished diamond
to sell or otherwise dispose of unpolished diamond
to receive or purchase an unpolished diamond
to export an unpolished diamond
to import an unpolished diamond
to polish, crush or set an unpolished diamond in any tool
to possess any diamondiferous concentrates outside restricted area
to export any diamondiferous concentrates
to remove any sand, soil, clay, gravel, stone, rock or mineral from restricted area
to export any sand, soil, clay, gravel, stone, rock or mineral which reasonably believe may contain diamond.

Collect, compile, process, manage and share diamond data and information

The Directorate of Diamond Affairs collects, compiles, manages and shares diamond data and information with its stakeholders.

Issue Kimberly Process Certificates.

Issuing and validating Kimberly Process Certificates for diamond exports, as well as verifying such KPCs for diamond imports to ensure compliance .

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