Exclusive
Zimnisky: Diamonds are incongruent with Anglo's longer-term strategy of focusing on commodities for green infrastructure
It was recently reported that the diversified miner Anglo American, which is subject to a takeover by BHP Group for $39 billion, is considering selling its subsidiary De Beers. New York-based independent diamond and jewellery analyst Paul Zimnisky told...
06 may 2024
ODC managing director Mmetla Masire: We need to be responsible and not oversupply the market
Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) managing director Mmetla Masire told Rough&Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that there is still a lot of inventory and there is a need for all players in the diamond industry to trade responsibly...
22 april 2024
Varvara Dmitrieva: The jewelry industry of Yakutia is distinguished by its creativity, unique cultural code and conservation of traditions
Varvara Dmitrieva, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Precious Stones and Metals Processing Technologies of the North-Eastern Federal University, told Rough&Polished about the results of the Forum of jewelry Craftsmanship and the prospects...
16 april 2024
Valery Budny: There is no strategy and legislation in Russia enabling the full cycle processing of precious raw materials within the country
Valery Budny, Head of the Jewelry Russia program and CEO of the JUNWEX media holding, told Rough&Polished about the results of the meeting and pressing issues in the precious metals and precious stones (PMPS) and the jewelry sectors.
11 april 2024
Paul Zimnisky: Natural diamonds face the risk of eroding their appeal if constantly discounted
New York-based independent diamond and jewellery analyst and consultant Paul Zimnisky told Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that the industry should do away with discounts. He said the industry should treat natural diamonds...
01 april 2024
Corruption in mining sector puts a stain on green energy future
06 may 2024
Apparently, the world is moving in a new direction in terms of its energy needs, starting to embrace carbon neutrality and trying to combat climate change. Even though these new developments are off to a slow start, considerable resources are being allocated to this goal.
Blockchain as a new tax on the diamond industry
22 april 2024
After Russian rough and polished diamonds were given the ‘persona non grata’ status by the G7 countries, the efforts of the established market players have been and are aimed at ‘sifting the wheat from the chaff’ - how to reliably segregate the ‘bad’ Russian rough and polished diamonds from the ‘good’ ones supplied by other producers and manufacturers?
The nickel market has bottomed out but remains Indonesia-bound
15 april 2024
The LME nickel price gained 6 percent in the first quarter to a short-term $18,500 a ton, which was a small consolation after a 45-percent decline last year due to surplus production of Class 2 nickel in Indonesia and sluggish demand. In addition to the short squeeze, the delays in issuing nickel mining permits in Indonesia (RKAB) and the monsoon in the Philippines, the second largest producer of this raw material, contributed to the price rebound.
Platinum crisis: Declining metal prices lead to significant job losses
08 april 2024
In response to the current state of metal prices, Zimplats, the Zimbabwean unit of Impala Platinum Holdings, has decided to implement a voluntary retrenchment exercise for its employees as a cost-cutting measure.
Norilsk Nickel’s financial results for the second half of 2023: Steady profitability despite a decreased revenue
01 april 2024
On February 9, Norilsk Nickel presented the company’s financial statements for the second half of 2023 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The main financial indicators were close to market expectations. Taking into account a strong decline in prices for base metals, an important result was that the profitability remained almost unchanged.
Many a mickle make a muckle: can new diamond mines support the current production volumes?
25 march 2024
Currently, diamond deposits discovered in the middle of last century make up the overwhelming majority of the global production. The depletion of their reserves for open-pit mining explains the transition to underground mining, which significantly increases the cost of rough diamonds and can lead to suspending or even shutting down a mining enterprise when the diamond market’s activity is low.
Belgium’s diamond hub
18 march 2024
The industry organizations argue that the sanctions by the G7 countries may seriously damage the diamond industry as a whole and, moreover, will give additional competitive advantages to Russian rough diamonds. Particular objections were triggered by the G7’s requirement imposed on diamond producers (except Canada) to send their rough diamonds on a mandatory basis to Belgium where the gemstones should undergo certification.
Russia, Zimbabwe: unified under the wrath of US sanctions
11 march 2024
Russia and Zimbabwe have had a close relationship for the long time, and one of the issues that they share in common of late is the US sanctions.
The platinum shortage does not influence the price yet
04 march 2024
Although the price of platinum in 2023 looked significantly stronger than the price of palladium, this is clearly not the result platinum producers, investors and experts expected a year ago. Exaggerated optimism about platinum can be seen when looking at the results of the last year’s LBMA Annual Precious Metals Forecast Survey. The most bearish forecast turned out to be very close to the true price, and the average price forecast made by the analysts surveyed was 11% higher than the actual average price in 2023.
Indian Jewellery sector set to soar in the coming years
26 february 2024
Historically, India is known for its fascination for jewelry, which goes back many thousands of years ago. It is said that India was the biggest exporter and manufacturer of jewelry, especially of pearls which was held in high regard by overseas connoisseurs. In addition, for the last 2000 years, India has been home to diamonds, semi-precious stones and gold in abundance. Export trade flourished and over the years, India graduated to become the sole supplier of gemstones across the world.
