Russian diamond giant ALROSA is set to introduce its Sustainable Diamond Standards (SDS) among members of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) early next year, pending approval from member states. This development was announced during an ongoing workshop in Harare, as the company looks to expand SDS beyond industrial miners to include Artisanal Small-Scale Miners (ASM).
ALROSA recently conducted a pilot survey on industrial mines across ADPA member states to assess the feasibility of SDS implementation. The standards aim to ensure ethical sourcing and transparency in diamond production, with a focus on traceability from mine to market.
Peter Karakchiev, ALROSA’s Head of International Relations, emphasized the importance of involving ASM miners, who contribute significantly to diamond production. He highlighted that success will depend on governments’ efforts to engage and educate ASM miners on safety, environmental standards, and compliance.
The SDS framework addresses ethical concerns related to the diamond industry, including environmental protection, labour rights, and anti-corruption measures. It offers a comprehensive auditing system to verify the origins of diamonds, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
The initiative underscores ALROSA’s commitment to raising standards and ensuring that diamonds sourced from ADPA countries meet global ethical standards.
