Sarine’s David Block: Diamond Industry at Standstill Until Chinese Demand Returns

David Block is CEO of Israel’s Sarine Technologies and has served in the position since 2012. In this exclusive interview for Rough and Polished, Block gives his opinion on the leading issues affecting today’s diamond trade.

11 september 2024

Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: Demand for considerable-sized diamonds stronger than ever

The African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge told Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that although overall global diamond prices have been somewhat soft, the demand for considerable-sized diamonds...

02 september 2024

Amplats sees prospects as a standalone company

Anglo has revealed its plans to demerge Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), which has operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, to optimise shareholder value. Rough&Polished contacted Amplats to comment on this and other issues but was referred...

19 august 2024

WFDB President Yoram Dvash Remains Confident Despite Global Diamond Challenges

Yoram Dvash is President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) having been elected in 2020. He found time in his busy schedule to speak to Rough&Polished about the state of the diamond industry around the world and some of the major...

12 august 2024

Lyudmila Vysotskaya: Amber is a mystical stone, a living substance

Lyudmila Vysotskaya is a Kaliningrad-based amber artist and designer, expert, chairwoman of the Amber Academy and member of the Creative Union of Artists in Decorative and Applied Arts. This summer, visitors could admire the art works by Lyudmila Vysotskaya...

30 july 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