The International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) issued a statement following the Group of Seven (G7) decision to impose sanctions on Russian diamonds, reiterating the need to protect the lives and livelihoods of all those employed in the mining and manufacturing of diamonds.
IDMA President Ronnie VanderLinden said: “We are pleased that the G7 will seek further engagement with diamond industry organizations such as the World Diamond Council (WDC) and IDMA, to ensure that diamond producers worldwide - particularly those on the African continent - can continue to mine and market diamonds without fear of job losses and broader economic harm.”
According to VanderLinden, the global diamond industry employs several million people throughout the diamond supply pipeline, and it is of the utmost importance that none of those jobs are jeopardized due to new developments.
IDMA expressed its solidarity with the WDC's view of the matter, believing that G7's import restrictions must focus on availability of certification and associated technology-based solutions for smaller industry participants, especially in Africa; and ensure the new measures enhance rather than restrict access to the G7 consumer markets for responsibly sourced natural diamonds.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
