Exclusive
Yoram Dvash: Industry unity, producer leadership and marketing investment key to natural diamond's future
The natural diamond industry is navigating a period of significant transition, but there are increasing signs that the foundations for a stronger and more positive future are being built, according to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)...
29 june 2026
AWDC: First fully traceable artisanal diamonds from DRC sold on the international market in Antwerp
In a historic milestone for the diamond industry, fully traceable, artisanal diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been sold on the international market for the very first time in Antwerp. Below, Ine Tassignon, AWDC spokesperson, provides...
22 june 2026
Natural diamonds most desired luxury jewellery, Gen Z spending double baby boomers, reveals De Beers report
Natural diamonds remain the most desired jewellery item among US consumers, with Millennials and Gen Z driving demand value and spending, according to De Beers Group’s The Diamond Report, which draws on the biannual Diamond Acquisition Study of 18,500...
15 june 2026
Edahn Golan: India’s lab-grown diamond exports surpass natural diamonds by volume, yet value gap widens
India’s diamond industry has reached a historic turning point. In March and April 2026, the volume of lab‑grown diamond exports overtook that of natural diamonds, with lab‑grown stones accounting for 51% and 50.4% of total export volume respectively...
01 june 2026
Dr M’zée Fula-Ngenge: Kimberley Process failing Africa
The Kimberley Process (KP) is failing Africa, and the world's definition of a “conflict diamond” is a moral and legal absurdity, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson M’zée Fula-Ngenge. The following exclusive...
18 may 2026
Norilsk Nickel and Reksoft presented a robotic system for underground ore mining
According to the press service of Norilsk Nickel, the principle of operation of the installation is based on advanced technologies of machine vision and lidars.
The system independently recognizes the shape and size of the stones, determines the optimal impact point and controls the hydraulic hammer. At the same time, the possibility of manual or semi-automatic control remains.
Safety and efficiency are the main advantages of the new technology.
The robotic system, if necessary, eliminates the presence of people in the hazardous crushing area, works without downtime and determines the necessary impact points with high accuracy.
Practical application of the technology is planned for spring 2026. Pilot industrial tests will take place at the Komsomolsky mine, and in the future the system will be implemented at the Skalisty mine.
The economic impact of the technology's introduction promises to be significant. According to Jan Lupandin, project manager of the Norilsk Nickel Digital Technology Development Center, automation will significantly increase productivity, reduce downtime and optimize personnel costs.
An important advantage of the development is the use of fully Russian software compatible with equipment from various manufacturers. This makes the technology promising for further scaling in the mining industry.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau,Rough&Polished
