India's Dazzling Secrets
April 24, 03 by Chaim Even-ZoharIn 2002, the Argyle mine's production grew by 28% from 26.2 million carats to 33.5 million carats. That also meant more rough sales to India. Though 2002 worldwide new diamond production (industrials, near-gems and gems all together) would be around 120 million carats, the Indian industry alone imported some 129.3 million carats of rough last (calendar) year, at an average... Read More...
“Illicit Diamonds” May Well Become Next Target For Global Action.
April 10, 03 by Chaim Even-ZoharToday, a high-level policy discussion is taking place in Washington, D.C., which should give us all a reason to pause – and to reflect. The deliberations ostensibly focuses on: “The Kimberley Process to Curb Illicit Diamonds: Early Achievements, Congressional Action, and Next... Read More...
The Proposed S.A. 8% Royalty Regime on Diamonds will Impact Marketing Policies and is likely to lead to Renewed Friction between De Beers and Government
April 03, 03 by Chaim Even ZoharThe South African government doesn’t like De Beers. No other conclusion can be drawn from the provision in the draft “Money Bill” in which the diamond mines are singled out to pay 8%... Read More...
BHP-Billiton To Increase Polished Production Through Joint Venture Partners And Subcontracting - Launches Its Own Version Of Forever-Mark
March 27, 03 by Chaim Even ZoharSince its rough marketing agreement with De Beers was not renewed earlier this year, BHP-Billiton has now some $150-$160 million more of rough available for sale through its Antwerp... Read More...
U.S. Propose Anti Money Laundering Rules for Diamantaires: What You Don't Know - May Hurt You
March 20, 03 by Chaim Even-ZoharThe U.S. government, in its desire to fight terrorists and combat the financing of terror, views diamond merchants (with an annual turnover of at least $50,000) as "financial institutions" in terms of the rules and regulations they have to comply... Read More...
Canadian Diamonds Should Be Truly Canadian!
March 13, 03 by Chaim Even ZoharCanadian diamonds must be truly Canadian! If this isn't axiomatic, Martin Irving, the Director of the Diamonds Projects Division of the Ministry of Mineral Resources in the Northwest Territories is willing to go to court or to parliament to make the statement legally robust... Read More...
Sierra Leone Lebanese Spokesman Lashing Out Against Almost Everybody Else
March 09, 03 by Chaim Even Zohar"Over the years, diamond exporters of the Lebanese community have not only boosted the [Sierra Leonean] diamond industry, but have contributed immensely to the economy. The value of the diamonds exported not only helped to keep in check the exchange rate of the Leone ... Read More...
WTO Approves Kimberley Waiver
February 27, 03 by Chaim Even ZoharWith unprecedented speed did the relevant World Trade Organization committee agree to violate its own free trade principles to allow the Kimberley process to be legally applied in all its provisions. In other words, the WTO agrees that a country may refuse to export rough diamond to, or import from, any country that is NOT a member of the... Read More...
Politics Are No Joking Matter
February 20, 03 by Chaim Even ZoharThe world is nervous and divided. Everything seems to be colored with political tints. Belgium's Diamond High Council expresses concern that American polished buyers might reduce their purchases in Antwerp in retaliation against the anti George Bush position of its government. Presumably, such concerns are premature and it would be better if they had not been expressed at all. Read More...
The Battle For Sierra Leone Has Only Just Begun
February 13, 03 by Chaim Even ZoharThe civil war in Sierra Leone is over and the alluvial mining sector seems to be working at ever expanding capacities, producing some $250-$300 million a year - if not more. Of this amount, some $40 million (at declared export value; the actual value is much higher) is officially exported; the bulk of the output is smuggled out. Read More...
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