Botswana diamond mining holds sparkling potential

The troubles of the global economy have had an impact on most industries and the diamond industry is not immune. Consumer market performance is mixed with the US and Europe remaining weak, while emerging markets such as China and India are...

Zim bending over backwards to comply with Kimberley Process, says diamond body boss

World Federation of Diamond Bourses honorary life president Ernest Blom reports that Zimbabwe is ‘bending over backwards’ to ensure that it is compliant with all of the guidelines of the Kimberly Process.

Materials handling solutions delivered, in progress

International manufacturer and supplier of mining equipment Manhattan Corporation reports that it is currently involved in a variety of materials handling projects throughout South Africa.

Role of politicians-turned-mine-bosses a cause for concern

The role of past politicians, who have moved on to become significant role players in the mining industry, is negatively affecting the mining industry reports an independent research company, the Bench Marks Foundation.

Back to basics for 
Cape Town branch

The principle focus of the new office is on selling plants to the mining industry based on standardised plant modules. DRA has built a number of modular dense media separation (DMS) plants in the past, which have been custom built for specific...

Glimmers of hope in diamond market – De Beers

The world's biggest diamond miner, De Beers, has begun to see “signs of improvement” in the market, and expects the trend to continue for the rest of this year. Demand for rough diamonds fell sharply in the fourth quarter of 2008, as cutters,...

Chamber describes first half of 2008 as difficult period for diamonds sector

The Chamber of Mines (COM) has described the first half of 2008 as a difficult period for the South African diamond-mining industry, characterised by an electricity crisis and rationalisation initiatives, and closure of certain shafts, which...

Diamond market retains its glitter

Diamond production has increased about 9% in the past five years, according to the New York-based World Diamond Council, as mining companies have hurried to find new deposits to meet soaring demand, reports Creamer Media’s Research Channel Africa.

South African mining services, equipment highly sought after

The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is hosting the Canadian Export initiative: CIM Tradex 2008 from 4 to 7 May, in an effort to build a stronger trade relationship between the Canadian mining industry and the South...

Tanzanite colours perception of gem rankings

It has been 40 years since the first discovery of the tanzanite gemstone in Merelani, Tanzania, by a Masaai tribesman in a mountainous region 40-km south of Mount Kilimanjaro, but the precious mineral is, in the last few years, becoming more...

SA-linked gem-miner makes senior appointments ahead of listing

Diamond producer Nare Diamonds has made four senior board appointments in advance of its intended listing on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) this year.

Latest gem-processing technology on show

Global specialist in the design and supply of state-of-the-art equipment for grinding, pyroprocessing of minerals, ores and injection systems, Polysius, will be sharing knowledge and advice with visitors to this year’s Electra Mining.