South Africa

Officials Face Fraud Charges over Missing Diamonds

Four government officials have been arrested in South Africa, following the disappearance of rough gems bought for a diamond cutting course. The suspects, all employees at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, were detained last Wednesday by the Hawks, the force that specializes in corruption and economic crime. They all face fraud charges.Back in … Read more

Gem Diamonds Unearths 370ct. Rough

Gem Diamonds has recovered a 370-carat rough stone in Lesotho, the second over 100 carats in one week. The “high-quality,” white, type II diamond came from the company’s Letšeng mine, known for producing large diamonds, it said Monday. The new find follows the discovery of a high-quality, 254-carat, white, type II diamond the miner reported … Read more

Give us Back the Crown Jewel Diamonds, says South African Politician

Britain must return two Cullinan diamonds from its crown jewels, says a member of South Africa’s parliament. Mbusiyseni Ndlozi, of the left-wing opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) tweeted: “Expropriation of the Queen’s crown without compensation: we want our diamonds back!” A tweet claimed the gems had a combined value of $5bn. The Cullinan I … Read more

Artisanal small-scale diamond mining initiative launched

Petra Rough Diamond

Petra Diamonds has launched an artisanal small-scale mining initiative in South Africa. This follows a process of extensive consultation and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. These include the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMR&E), as mining sector regulator, the Letsemeng Local Municipality, as elected representatives of the community, and the community itself. Richard Duffy, CE … Read more