The Kimberley Process’ year of living boringly
After two years of crisis, and then another year of renewed energy with the United States at its helm, the Kimberley Process this year was pretty unexciting. And that’s both good and bad.
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Zimbabwe plans sale of Marange diamonds in Antwerp
(Bloomberg) – Diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange fields will be sold in Antwerp after the European Union lifted sanctions even as rights groups allege abuses at the mines and say revenue has financed President Robert Mugabe’s ruling party.
Kimberley Process members hoping for reforms at 2013 plenary meeting
As diamond market participants are well aware, the central aim of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is to curb trade in conflict diamonds.
‘Conflict’ definition seems unlikely to change
Johannesburg – Last year at this time, the stage was set for a climatic meeting in Washington, with the Kimberley Process voting on an issue that had been debated and discussed all year: broadening the definition of “conflict” diamond.
The $6 million question: Why arrests in Zim’s diamond bribe case are taking long?
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe claimed last month that former Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa extorted $6 million from a Ghanaian company that sought to invest in the Marange diamond field on a joint venture agreement with the state-owned firm.
EU on Zim diamond sanctions: business prevails over politics
In February this year, the European Union (EU) agreed that it will lift sanctions imposed on the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) within a month of the Zimbabwe plebiscite if all member states agree it was peaceful and transparent.
RJC membership and certification are a means to credibly demonstrate responsible environmental, social and ethical performance – Michael Rae, RJC’s CEO
Today, a company’s ability to demonstrate social responsibility of its business is needed as much as its financial statements verified by auditors.
Donna Baker’s legacy: restoring integrity and renewing trust
The sudden resignation of Gemological Institute of America (GIA) President Donna Baker last month perplexed many and set off endless rumors.
State department urges jewelry industry to do more on diamond sourcing
In an appearance at a July 29 JA show panel, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez urged the industry to do more to track the origin of its diamonds.
Exit interview with former World Diamond Council head Eli Izhakoff
Last week, Eli Izhakoff stepped down after 13 years heading the World Diamond Council, which represents the diamond industry in front of the Kimberley Process.
Speech of Mr. Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Dubaï Diamond Exchange, in Luanda
Eng. Antonio Carlos Sumbula Chairman of Endiama, Honourable Governors and Ministers, Your Excellency Prof. Dr. Francisco Queiroz, Mr. Ambassador Nhlapo, Hon. Susan Shabangu,
Exit interview with ex-special advisor on conflictdiamonds Brad Brooks-Rubin
After 4½ sometimes turbulent years manning the State Department’s conflict diamond desk and being involved with the Kimberley Process, Brad Brooks-Rubin is moving on.