Ellah Muchemwa: ADPA to launch Africa's first diamond mining standard next year

The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), which is based in Luanda, Angola, and represents the interests of mainly African diamond producers and those with the potential to produce diamonds, will next year launch the Sustainable Development...

04 november 2024

Dmitry Fedorov: I want our jewelry to be displayed at a museum in the future

Dmitry Fedorov is the founder of the eponymous jewelry house. His main focus is the creation of Orthodox-inspired premium luxury jewelry of high artistic merit. He told Rough&Polished about his journey in the jewelry industry, about choosing the ‘Orthodox...

28 october 2024

Responsible business practices ‘no longer optional’, says WDC President Feriel Zerouki

The president of the World Diamond Council takes time out of her busy schedule to tell Rough&Polished readers about the critical work of the WDC. Zerouki, the first female present of the body, which includes all the important industry organizations among...

14 october 2024

James Campbell: Botswana Diamonds optimistic as it enters uncharted territory of using AI for mineral exploration

London-listed Botswana Diamonds has expressed optimism about the company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to scan the exploration database in Botswana to look for new mineralised deposits. Company managing director James Campbell told Rough...

07 october 2024

Artur Salyakayev: For me, happiness is freedom to make my ideas happen and create valuable products

Artur Salyakayev is an art entrepreneur, founder of the International Jewelry Academy (IJA) and the INCRUA jewelry company. He has initiated and developed successful projects in jewelry industry and services sector. He is also a leading expert...

30 september 2024

Little reason for celebrating KP’s 20th anniversary - civic society

23 may 2023
The Kimberley Process Civil Society (KPCS) says although the certification scheme will mark its 20th anniversary this year, there is little reason for celebration as trust among participants is at an all-time low. 
“Although the narrow definition of conflict diamonds allows this industry to sell diamonds as conflict-free, it blinds consumers to human rights violations occurring when this token of love and prosperity is mined,” said the organisation’s Michel Yoboue in an opening statement at the 2023 Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting currently taking place in Victoria falls, Zimbabwe.
“…the long overdue expansion of the KP’s conflict diamond definition should include diamonds associated with widespread or systematic violence and serious violations of human rights, regardless of whether they are committed by rebel groups, criminals, terrorists, private or public security forces or any governmental actor.”
He said communities affected by diamond mining know very well that conflict is a lot more than just rebels fighting legitimate governments.
“When things go wrong, it is communities that face violence and human rights violations. The KP should be there for them as well,” said Yoboue.
“The diamond sector faces many challenges in living up to its full potential as a driver of peace and development. These include issues of human rights, labour rights, environmental impact, fair distribution of benefits, corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing, and so on.”
He said KP should help the diamond sector to live up to its potential and adopt an ambitious definition that addresses the real needs and real-life challenges of communities affected by diamond mining. 

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished