(polishedprices.com) - August is upon us and traditionally August is the ‘silly season’ for the media, a time when the Loch Ness monster story stands a good chance of being resurrected, yet again, to fill the gap of no news as everyone lolls about on some beach or whatever. In our industry we have had our own excursion into this silly fantasy world, but a few weeks early. Recently it was announced in Gaborone that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) was going to fulfill a pledge made in 2008 to help foster a local cutting industry in Botswana. The tidy sum of $250 million has been set aside as the US Government takes 75% of the risk on loans for diamond purchases for local cutting.
News
Nornickel and Reksoft Implement "smart vision" to protect production
Nornickel has deployed a neural network-based video analytics system across its facilities, designed to prevent equipment breakdowns and production stoppages, the company’s press service reported.
Today
Lundin achieves record quarterly gold output at its flagship Ecuador mine
Vancouver-based Lundin Gold has reported that in the third quarter of 2026, gold production at its Fruta del Norte mine in southeast Ecuador hit a new quarterly record.
Today
Richemont, Signet in talks to join De Beers consortium – report
Luxury group Richemont and US retailer Signet Jewelers are in advanced talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium (GDC) bidding for De Beers, according to five people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports.
16 october 2026
Rio Tinto begins Q4 of 2026 with strong operational performance
The Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto has reported its third-quarter 2026 results, highlighting strong operational performance.
16 october 2026
Silver market deficit to widen in 2026 - report
In the latest World Silver Survey prepared by the Silver Institute and Metals Focus, the global silver market deficit is forecast to widen for the sixth consecutive year to 46.3 million ounces.
16 october 2026
