ALROSA to Launch ASM SDS in Q1 2025, but Plan Hinges on Government Approval
Russian natural diamond giant ALROSA is expected to launch the Sustainable Diamond Standards (SDS) among African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) members early next year, pending unilateral approval from ADPA member states, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
This was revealed by ALROSA at the ongoing SDS workshop in Harare, where the company also expressed eagerness to involve Artisanal Small-Scale Miners (ASM) through a similar pilot survey of the SDS, as they did with industrial miners earlier this year.
Earlier this year, ALROSA, through a third party, conducted a pilot survey on ADPA members’ industrial mines to assess how they could implement the SDS.
The SDS aims to establish a framework that prioritizes ethical sourcing and transparency, addressing concerns that have fueled scepticism and regulatory actions. By implementing rigorous standards, the SDS enhances the traceability of diamonds from mine to market, ensuring that consumers can confidently purchase products adhering to ethical practices.
ASM miners are responsible for a significant portion of diamond production among ADPA member states.
Speaking at the ongoing workshop, ALROSA’s Head of International Relations, Peter Karakchiev, stated that they have plans to involve ASM miners, but the success of this initiative depends on the efforts of the Zimbabwean government and other ADPA countries to engage the ASM sector, which represents the majority of diamond production in the region.
“Through the industrial pilot survey we conducted, we raised funds to educate ASM representatives on how to implement the minimum standards of the SDS, helping them make their operations safer from environmental, health, and safety perspectives, while also meeting all the self-assessment criteria.”
“This tool can be quite effective, ensuring that all ADPA members are included in the process, and no one is excluded. Other standards tend to overlook ASM, which is absolutely not correct,” Karakchiev added.
“The model we are presenting to ADPA and its member countries should be inclusive of ASM. However, we need collaboration from the relevant ministries in ADPA countries to reach out to the ASM sector. The first step is education,” he emphasized.
A key aspect of the SDS is its focus on responsible sourcing, including comprehensive auditing and compliance measures for mining companies. By requiring companies to maintain detailed records and undergo regular assessments, the SDS provides a structured approach to verifying the legitimacy of diamond origins. This transparency is designed to counter claims that the diamond industry is complicit in funding conflict or engaging in unethical practices.
The SDS addresses a wide range of critical issues, including environmental impact, community engagement, labour rights, and anti-corruption measures. By tackling these key areas, the initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability across the entire supply chain, from exploration and mining to trading.