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

Paul Zimnisky: China key for sustained recovery in demand for natural diamonds, prices

The curtailing of upstream and midstream natural diamond production in the past months is starting to have an effect on prices, according to the New-York-based independent diamond and jewellery analyst and consultant, Paul Zimnisky. He told Rough & Polished’s...

23 september 2024

Vladimir Pilyushin: The jewelry market is not stand-alone and moves by the same laws as other markets

Vladimir Pilyushin is editor-in-chief of Russian Jeweler, a leading magazine about the jewelry industry in Russia. He told Rough&Polished about his view on the evolution of the jewelry industry in Russia and touched upon some of its problems.

16 september 2024

SML Gold and Central African Republic create joint gold transfer company

26 june 2024

Dubai-based SML Gold company has entered into an alliance with the Central African Republic (CAR) to form a joint venture aimed at improving gold transfer operations. The cooperation, which resulted in the creation of SML GOLD RCA SA, experts say, marks a significant step in the international gold market and promises significant economic benefits for both parties.

The alliance between SML Gold and the Central African Republic is designed to streamline the gold transfer process. SML GOLD RCA SA, a semi-public company, will oversee various aspects of the gold mining industry in the CAR, from mining to international logistics and marketing.

In particular, according to plans, the joint venture will purchase gold directly from local mines, which will ensure fair prices and improve the living conditions of local miners. The company will also build a refinery and a factory for the production of high-quality gold jewelry; opening a gold bank and exchange offices to ensure safe storage and trading of gold, providing financial services backed by gold. In addition, the company will be responsible for the safe and efficient international transportation of gold, taking into account SML Gold's existing experience in global logistics.

This venture will use blockchain technology to provide complete transparency and traceability of the gold supply chain, from mining to sale. This system will link directly to the Central African Republic's ministries of mining, finance and customs, streamlining operations and ensuring that the government can effectively monitor and manage gold resources.

The partnership is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Central African Republic, which, through the centralization of gold mining and export processes, will be able to increase state revenues. The launch of a gold processing plant and a jewelry factory will create new jobs. In addition, the venture is in line with CAR's broader economic strategy, which includes the creation of the Sangocoin cryptocurrency. Integrating blockchain technology into gold transactions will complement this strategy by increasing transparency and efficiency in resource management.

For SML Gold, this partnership represents an opportunity to expand its influence in the global gold market. SML Gold already operates in the Middle East, Africa, India and North America and aims to establish itself as a leader in gold transportation and investment.

Hélène Tarin, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished