Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge: How De Beers’ Lightbox undermined natural diamonds

De Beers’ venture into the lab-grown diamond (LGD) market through its subsidiary Lightbox backfired, undermining its century-old luxury positioning around natural diamonds, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) Chairperson Dr...

19 may 2025

LDB’s David Troostwyk: London still has major role to play in global diamond trade

London Diamond Bourse (LDB) President David Troostwyk has had a varied career in the diamond business. David sat down with Rough&Polished to discuss how his love of diamonds started, his career, the state of the diamond trade in the UK and globally...

12 may 2025

David Johnson: De Beers balancing lab-grown and natural diamonds rarity while pioneering ethical transparency

De Beers has been differentiating its lab-grown diamond brand, Lightbox, by positioning it as an affordable, fashion-focused product. Group spokesperson David Johnson told Rough & Polished that this is in contrast to how De Beers promotes natural diamonds...

28 april 2025

Who will bear the cost? Paul Zimnisky weighs in on U.S. jewellery tariff impact

The United States jewellery industry is facing a complex balancing act as new tariffs on diamonds force wholesalers and retailers to decide whether to absorb costs, negotiate with overseas suppliers (particularly India), or pass them on to consumers...

14 april 2025

Thataitsile Moremedi: South Africa's State Diamond Trader providing market access, exposure for nascent manufacturers

Although it is challenging for previously disadvantaged individuals to enter the diamond industry due to the financial barriers, South Africa's State Diamond Trader is providing nascent entrepreneurs with exposure, market access, and other support...

31 march 2025

Xtract completes divestiture of stake in Manica gold project

29 february 2024

Xtract Resources has completed the divestiture of its stake in the Manica gold project in Mozambique.

The company had last month agreed to terms for the disposal of its 23% net profit share interest in the project to buyers for up to $15 million.

After the disposal, Xtract continues to function as an operating minerals company by the AIM regulations, with a specific emphasis on its material minerals holdings in two expansive, nascent copper exploration endeavours situated in Zambia and Australia.

Additionally, the transaction resulted in the termination of Xtract's mining collaboration agreement with MMP, its partner in Mozambique.

As a settlement, Xtract will receive $3.3 million in cash.

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