Diamonds were discovered in the early 1900’s and production did increase to a maximum total of about 600 000 ct per year. It has subsequently dropped due to lack of control of the diamond industry. The CAR produces an estimated 620 000 ct each year. Some commercial mining and exploration of alluvial deposits has begun, albeit with difficulties.
No primary sources for the diamonds have been located, suggesting that there is either great potential for kimberlite discovery, or that the diamonds have been introduced from diamond rich DRC to the south. Most alluvial diamond deposits are situated along north flowing drainages, sourced from the DRC to the south. However, this does not decrease the possibility of kimberlite discovery proximal to these drainages.
Officially, diamonds have contributed 60% to the nations export earnings. The CAR is one of Africa’s major diamond producers, although production is almost entirely produced by artisanal methods. The CAR is well known for its good quality diamonds, ranked 5th in the world in terms of quality.
Companies
1. Gem Diamonds
Gem Diamonds is a leading global diamond producer with diamond mining operations throughout the world and headquartered in London.
Mambéré
Gem Diamonds holds a 75% interest in Gem Diamonds Centrafrique SA, in partnership with the Government of the CAR, which holds the remaining 25%. Gem Diamonds Centrafrique holds exclusive exploration and mining rights to the 855 km2 Mambéré Concession.
In the target area on the Mambéré River, a sampling campaign was carried out across terrace and modern gravels in 2007. The diamond grade from these older terraces was found to be sub-economic and the exploration team started work in the modern day river in early 2008.
Results from sampling in the Mambéré River during 2008 were far more promising, with high grades achieved in the low level gravels.
However, an economic technique for extracting these diamonds remains to be determined and the operation was put into care and maintenance in November 2008.
Country output
The country produced 311,779.42 carats in 2009 according to the Kimberley Process Statistics.
