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
Peter Meeus addresses the existential threat facing Dubai's polished diamond sector: Will history repeat itself?
31 july 2025
Dubai’s polished diamond industry is under threat, reminiscent of its historic pearling decline, says Peter Meeus, former head of Antwerp Diamond Bourse, co-founder of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and Honorary Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange. He told Rough & Polished that Dubai now faces challenges that could undermine its position despite leading in the rough diamond trade and logging $13.1 billion in polished diamond deals in 2024.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem on the enduring value of natural diamonds
14 july 2025
Natural diamonds stand as timeless testaments to human aspiration, economic resilience, and technological innovation in an era where fleeting trends dominate, according to the Dubai Multi-Commodity Centre (DMCC) executive chairperson and chief executive Ahmed Bin Sulayem.
Failed embargo, new crises: the unintended consequences of CAR's diamond embargo
07 july 2025
The Kimberley Process embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR) diamonds, while intended to sever the link between the precious stones and armed conflict, ultimately created a cascade of damaging consequences that hurt the very people it was meant to protect. A new IPIS report released last month shows how these well-intentioned sanctions backfired spectacularly, with artisanal miners bearing the brunt of the economic fallout while armed groups simply diversified their revenue streams.
SDT: Empowering youth to shape the future of South Africa's diamond industry
30 june 2025
South Africa’s State Diamond Trader (SDT) has emphasised that young professionals are not only the industry's future but are already driving change today. SDT Marketing and Communication Manager Tsholofelo Tselapedi told Rough & Polished in an exclusive interview that the youth bring innovation through ethical sourcing, digital trading platforms, and AI-driven tools, while also demanding transparency and sustainability.
Diamond entrepreneur on passion, challenges, and the future of African beneficiation
23 june 2025
For Desmond Madumetja Ratsoma, the co-founder and director of OCGems, diamonds represent far more than sparkling gemstones—they symbolise Africa’s untapped potential, craftsmanship, and economic transformation. In an exclusive interview, the emerging beneficiator shares insights on entering the industry, overcoming challenges, and the critical role of local diamond manufacturing in South Africa’s future.
Andrey Yanchevsky: A brand is much more than just a name
09 june 2025
Andrey Yanchevsky is the CEO and founder of the LA VIVION jewellery company. Over 20 years in this business, he has worked his way from a software programmer to a member of the board of directors, gaining experience in various sectors of the jewellery industry. He answered the Rough&Polished’s questions about the importance of developing an own brand and the ways to promote it.
Jonathan Kendall: Industry must focus on the diamond dream
26 may 2025
From a lengthy career at the De Beers Group to playing a major role at CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, Jonathan (Jonnie) Kendall is enjoying his diamond journey as much as ever today. He took time out from his busy schedule to speak to Rough&Polished about his many roles at De Beers and the experiences he has had in the diamond trade.
Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge: How De Beers’ Lightbox undermined natural diamonds
19 may 2025
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. M’zée Fula Ngenge.
LDB’s David Troostwyk: London still has major role to play in global diamond trade
12 may 2025
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, his involvement with the Young Diamantaires organization and his plans for the London Diamond Bourse.
David Johnson: De Beers balancing lab-grown and natural diamonds rarity while pioneering ethical transparency
28 april 2025
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, with a focus on their rarity and emotional value, with a long-term strategy to redirect lab-grown diamonds towards industrial applications.
