Analytics
De Beers Lightbox Experiment Ends as Suddenly as It Began
When De Beers announced the launch of the Lightbox colored lab-grown diamond jewelry line in 2018 to disrupt the synthetics sector by offering fixed and clear per-carat pricing the shock in the global diamond trade was resounding. Despite the diamond...
19 may 2025
REMs as strategic raw materials of the 21st century
Rare earth metals (REMs), also called rare earth elements (REEs) or rare earths, are currently at the peak of popularity. This is explained by a wide range of their applications, especially in high-tech industries, as well as the restricted...
12 may 2025
Expert reports
Why gold is beating stocks at their own game
(livewiremarkets.com) - As we entered 2025, expectations for the US economy were at their highest compared to the previous two years and there was widespread...
23 may 2025
Israel’s Diamond Financing Sinks to $0.5 Bln
(edahngolan.com) - Bank financing for Israel’s diamond industry has plummeted to $508 million (1.88 billion NIS) utilized in 2024, representing a historic low. The...
16 may 2025
Peabody claims material adverse change in Australia steelmaking coal assets deal, Anglo American says not so fast
Peabody Energy, a leading coal producer, formally notified Anglo American that it believes a material adverse change (MAC) has occurred, potentially jeopardising its planned acquisition of Anglo’s Australian steelmaking coal assets.
14 may 2025
News
Ontario exploration firm expands search for lithium and rare earths
23 may 2025
Focus Xplore PLC has initiated a second phase of geological prospecting, mapping, and sampling in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.
Nornickel’s Board recommends withholding final dividends for 2024
23 may 2025
The Board of Directors of Norilsk Nickel has issued a recommendation not to distribute final dividends for 2024 in the absence of free cash flow.
Ghana aims for $12bn annual revenue from small-scale gold production
23 may 2025
Ghana anticipates generating $12 billion annually from small-scale gold production if output doubles as planned.
Despite US-UK tariffs deal: jewellery and watch industries left wanting
23 may 2025
Although the United Kingdom and the United States announced a new trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on specific imports, it appears to have fallen short of addressing the concerns of the UK's jewellery and watch businesses, which will continue to face a 10% levy on exports to the US.
Zimbabwe lithium miners push for export tax delay until 2027
23 may 2025
Lithium miners in Zimbabwe are calling on the government to postpone a 5% export tax on lithium concentrate until local refining plants—which will process the material into higher-value products—begin operations.
Grizzly Mining’s emerald auction earns $24.8m in Dubai
22 may 2025
Grizzly Mining reported $24.8 million in revenue from its recent international rough emerald auction held in Dubai in May.
China’s gold imports hit 11-month high
22 may 2025
China’s gold imports have hit an 11-month high despite record prices, prompting the central bank to ease restrictions on bullion inflows.
Nornickel completes deep-mine stripping works at Skalisty project
22 may 2025
Norilsk Nickel has completed stripping works on the ore body of the Deep Mine of the Skalisty copper project at a depth of 1,650 m.
Exclusive
Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge: How De Beers’ Lightbox undermined natural diamonds
De Beers’ venture into the lab-grown diamond (LGD) market through its subsidiary Lightbox backfired, undermining its century-old luxury positioning around natural diamonds, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) Chairperson Dr...
19 may 2025
LDB’s David Troostwyk: London still has major role to play in global diamond trade
London Diamond Bourse (LDB) President David Troostwyk has had a varied career in the diamond business. David sat down with Rough&Polished to discuss how his love of diamonds started, his career, the state of the diamond trade in the UK and globally...
12 may 2025
David Johnson: De Beers balancing lab-grown and natural diamonds rarity while pioneering ethical transparency
De Beers has been differentiating its lab-grown diamond brand, Lightbox, by positioning it as an affordable, fashion-focused product. Group spokesperson David Johnson told Rough & Polished that this is in contrast to how De Beers promotes natural diamonds...
28 april 2025
Who will bear the cost? Paul Zimnisky weighs in on U.S. jewellery tariff impact
The United States jewellery industry is facing a complex balancing act as new tariffs on diamonds force wholesalers and retailers to decide whether to absorb costs, negotiate with overseas suppliers (particularly India), or pass them on to consumers...
14 april 2025
Thataitsile Moremedi: South Africa's State Diamond Trader providing market access, exposure for nascent manufacturers
Although it is challenging for previously disadvantaged individuals to enter the diamond industry due to the financial barriers, South Africa's State Diamond Trader is providing nascent entrepreneurs with exposure, market access, and other support...
31 march 2025
