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Diamonds Trace Their Journey: From Earth to You
9 Oct
Summary
- Kimberley Process certifies rough diamonds as conflict-free.
- De Beers uses Tracr for digital IDs, tracing diamonds from source.
- De Beers conserves land, protects species, and supports rewilding.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established in 2003, aims to prevent rough diamonds from financing armed conflicts. This international initiative involves governments, civil society, and the diamond industry, with participant countries representing nearly all global rough diamond production and trade. KPCS requires government-issued certification for shipments, attesting to their conflict-free status, and allows for trade restrictions in cases of non-compliance.
Leading diamond company De Beers implements additional measures beyond KPCS requirements. Their Pipeline Integrity Standard ensures chain-of-custody and uses Tracr technology to assign unique digital IDs to diamonds. This system transparently records each diamond's journey from its origin, offering greater assurance of provenance. These initiatives highlight a growing focus on traceability and transparency for consumers.
De Beers also demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, extending beyond mining operations. The company mandates progressive rehabilitation plans, focusing on biodiversity protection and conservation. These efforts include managing vast conservation lands, protecting endangered species, and engaging in ambitious rewilding projects, such as translocating rhinoceroses and elephants, and the Okavango Eternal initiative to protect vital water ecosystems.
