The importance of a common dialogue and a unified approach to ensuring standards for the sustainable development of the diamond mining sector became the key topics at the roundtable discussion dubbed "Sustainable Development of Diamond Mining Communities". It was held on July 27 on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.
The dialogue between diamond miners in Russia and Africa was dedicated to the current challenges of the global diamond industry. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies and leading mining companies from Russia and Africa, as well as industry organizations.
The roundtable participants exchanged views on significant changes that are shaping new approaches to interstate regulation and self-regulation of the industry, primarily in the diamond mining sector of the global diamond pipeline. Some speakers touched upon the exchange of experience between the diamond-producing countries of Africa, the contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the well-being of local communities, the prospects for developing a common approach to the principles of responsible diamond mining and its significance for leading diamond trading centers.
"Today the time has come for the necessary fundamental changes. It is important for governments and companies of Africa and Russia to unite and develop a common agenda for sustainable development and regulation of the diamond mining industry in order to protect the interests of national economies. The support of leading diamond trading and manufacturing centers is invaluable for this initiative", ALROSA's CEO Pavel Marinychev was quoted as saying by the company's media department.
"In this regard, it becomes important to create a platform for dialogue between diamond-producing countries to develop common approaches to the further development of the mining sector. The goals of such interaction will be to ensure a stable, predictable and sustainable diamond market, promote the socio-economic development of mining regions and exchange best practices between diamond mining companies".
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
