(jckonline.com) – In early February, Ashley Orbach, the U.S. Department of State’s special advisor for conflict diamonds for the last three years, announced she will be leaving her post and the agency. With new leadership coming to the State Department, it remains to be seen whether the United States will continue its strong advocacy regarding the Kimberley Process and related issues. New secretary of state Rex Tillerson, the former head of Exxon Mobil, will likely have different opinions on the regulation of mining than his predecessors (if he gets that granular). In addition, the president has expressed hostility to international agreements, though the Clean Diamond Trade Act, which codifies the Kimberley Process, is currently law.
News
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.
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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
Tharisa signs PGM offtake deal with Valterra Platinum, expands chrome collaboration
South Africa’s Tharisa has entered a binding arrangement for the sale of PGM concentrate to Rustenburg Platinum Mines, a subsidiary of Valterra Platinum, effective 1 January 2027.
16 october 2026
