The Third International Rough Diamond Conference to be hosted by the Israel Diamond Institute’s (IDI) is expected to further strengthen ties between the IDI and African diamond producing countries. The event will be held on February 11 – 12, 2008 at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv. It will be host to the world’s top leaders of the diamond trade.

African officials visiting the conference will include Angolan Minister of Geology and Mines Mr. Manuel Africano; Botswana Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Mr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe; Liberian Minister of Land, Mines and Energy Mr. Eugene Shannon and Democratic Republic of Congo Deputy Mining Minister Mr. Victor Kasongo. Each minister will be accompanied by delegations of diamond mining officials from their respective countries.

On behalf of De Beers, its Group Managing Director Mr. Gareth Penny and DTC Managing Director Ms.Varda Shine will be present. Others on the list include senior officials from Gem Diamonds, Petra Diamonds, Shore Gold, Stornoway Diamond Corporation, Stellar Diamonds and Rockwell Diamonds, leaders in the diamond industries of China, Brazil, Canada and Israel.

IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that “This is a very significant juncture for the rough diamond industry, coming only weeks after major changes in the industry that have created serious challenges for manufacturing centers around the world. We chose to hold the conference at this time in order to explore ways to expand and augment current and future sources of rough supply.”