News
Valterra Platinum forecasts record interim earnings surge on stronger PGM prices, volumes
Valterra Platinum has issued a trading statement for the six months ended 30 June 2026, forecasting headline earnings of between R18.5 billion ($1.12 billion) and R22.2 billion ($1.34 billion), representing an increase of more than 1,388%...
Today
Tatneft to extract lithium from associated waters during oil production
Tatneft has begun construction of an industrial-scale sorbent production facility with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year. These materials will enable the extraction of lithium from associated waters at oil fields, as reported by TASS.
Today
Ekati diamond mine to be closed down after failed attempts at sale
The Ekati diamond mine in Canada will be shut down by court order after its owner, Burgundy Diamond Mines, failed to find a buyer for the asset.
17 july 2026
Zijin begins lithium exports from DRC's Manono project to China — report
Zijin has started exporting lithium concentrate from its Manono project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Reuters.
17 july 2026
Nornickel CEO claims global demand for company’s metals ‘stable’
The demand for Norilsk Nickel metals in the global market is stable, but the situation with logistics and sales will remain difficult, said president of the company Vladimir Potanin during a meeting with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin.
17 july 2026
Forging a new legacy: Tshenolo Ntshekang on building a black-owned diamond beneficiation business in South Africa
03 november 2025
In an industry historically defined by limited access and foreign dominance, Tshenolo Ntshekang is carving a new path. The founder of Banzi and Karolo Projects, a black-owned diamond beneficiation business, Ntshekang, represents a growing wave of South African entrepreneurs determined to transform the country's diamond narrative from mere extraction to one of ownership, value addition, and economic empowerment. In this exclusive interview, he details his 12-year journey from trainee at De Beers to business owner, highlighting both the profound rewards and significant challenges of building a manufacturing enterprise in a subdued global market. Ntshekang passionately articulates the critical importance of collaboration, the pivotal role of the South African State Diamond Trader (SDT), and the transformative potential of beneficiation to create jobs, develop skills, and ensure that the legacy of South Africa's diamonds benefits its people.
Mahiar Borhanjoo returns to ‘The Heart Of The Diamond Business’
27 october 2025
Having started his career in the diamond trade at De Beers in London, Mahiar Borhanjoo returned to the diamond giant last year as Chief Commercial Officer after working for a decade for other diamond companies. Mahiar explains why he returned to De Beers and what his new position involves, as well as what he brings to his new role. In addition, he gives his views on the state of the diamond industry and why London still plays a central role in the diamond trade.
Mubri president Ali Pastorini: You just need to play a transparent game and do everything possible to attract clients
20 october 2025
Ali Pastorini, co-owner of the DEL LIMA JEWERLY and president of the Mubri International Association, which unites more than 2,500 wholesalers, retailers, and designers from 18 countries. In this interview with Rough&Polished Ali Pastorini talks about the situation in the global diamond market, the main trends and problems of the jewelry business in Latin America.
Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: Diamond industry must embrace transparency, new sales models to survive
13 october 2025
The global diamond industry must fundamentally overhaul its opaque and inefficient sales systems to survive a severe price slump and compete with lab-grown stones, according to Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge, Chairman of the African Diamond Council (ADC). His comments, made in an exclusive interview with Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa, follow and expand upon recent criticisms from within the industry.
There will continue to be a bifurcation between natural and synthetic diamonds, and people will return to natural stones, Billiton Diamond Auctions Director Antony Dear believes
06 october 2025
Antony Dear began his career in the diamond business in 1991 and is experienced in all the available diamond trading systems to date. In an exclusive interview with Rough&Polished, Antony Dear speaks about the current state of diamond auctions and tenders, shares his views on pricing transparency and building confidence in the diamond value chain.
Alexander Chamovskikh: Jewelry business is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and resourceful
29 september 2025
Alexander Chamovskikh is the founder and owner of the CHAMOVSKIKH Jewelry House and Chairman of the Ural Jewelers Guild. He spoke to Rough&Polished about what is required to build a brand, as well as about the jewelry market and the activities of the Ural Jewelers Guild, which he heads.
WPIC: Platinum market in modest deficit as prices surge amid supply constraints, shifting demand
22 september 2025
The platinum market recorded a modest deficit of 11,000 ounces (koz) in the second quarter of 2025, according to the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC). This occurred against a backdrop of a significant 37% increase in platinum prices. The report seen by Rough&Polished shows that both supply and demand fell compared to Q2 2024, with total supply down 4% and total demand down 22%.
Yuri Shelementyev: New Horizons in the Gemological Industry
16 september 2025
Yuri Shelementyev told Rough&Polished about the upcoming International Conference on Gemology to be held in Moscow on October 1-2, about new challenges for the industry and how important it is today to unite the efforts of science, business and the state.
De Beers reports significant advancements in 2024 sustainability, provenance initiatives
25 august 2025
De Beers recently published its 2024 sustainability report, detailing meaningful progress across its key focus areas of climate action, livelihoods, nature conservation, and diamond provenance. The report seen by Rough&Polished highlights the company's ongoing commitment to its Building Forever sustainability framework.
Diversify economy, don't double down on diamonds: Zimnisky warns Botswana against De Beers takeover gamble
11 august 2025
It is in Botswana’s best interest to focus more on diversifying the economy rather than doubling down on diamonds, according to Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond and jewellery analyst based in New York. Botswana has indicated willingness to increase its stake in De Beers from 15% to a majority position. He told Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that public-private partnerships tend to work best when the government does not have the controlling share and instead leans on a strong private partner.
