WDC advises caution while dealing with rough diamonds

Since certain formalities are still pending post approvals to a document by member governments of the Kimberley Process to allow exports from approved concessions in the Marange region of Zimbabwe, the World Diamond Council (WDC) has advised its members that until a conclusion is reached exports of stocks and production from the approved concessions in Marange do not carry the approval of the Kimberley Process.

The document of approval circulated on 17 January 2011, outlined the approval to be subject to agreement on continued oversight and monitoring. The authorities in Zimbabwe need to complete a series on consultations with Mr. Mathieu Yamba, the Chair of the Kimberley Process, representing the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has called for understanding and patience of the industry until the conclusions are reached.

while requesting the industry to maintain caution and due diligence when trading rough diamonds on the international market, it assures that it will advise as soon as the consultations have been concluded and a clear directive has been received from the Chair.