Global diamond output grew 4 percent in value last year to $14.5 billion as the average price per carat jumped 8 percent to $116.17 and Russia displaced Botswana as the world’s largest producer, according to data published by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). In terms of volume, production fell by 4 percent to 124.778 million carats.
Russia, which has traditionally played second fiddle to Botswana in world diamond output rankings, was the largest producer in terms of value and volume, as per KPCS annual data. The average price of the nation’s total diamond crop, which largely comes from ALROSA’s mining activity, surged 19 percent to $97.47 per carat as the value of precious stones catapulted 20 percent to $3.73 billion and volume edged up 1 percent to 38.303 million carats.
The average price in Botswana, where mines owned by De Beers are the predominant producers, slid 5 percent to $147.84 per carat because the growth in value of the nation’s diamond output flat-lined at $3.65 billion even as volume advanced 6 percent to 23.187 million carats.
Notable producers
Canada was ranked third as its production value increased 5 percent to $2 billion and volume grew 13 percent to 12.011 million carats. The average price, however, declined 7 percent to $166.78 per carat.
Angola’s production rose 13 percent to $1.32 billion as volume grew 2 percent to 8.791 million carats, while South Africa rounded out the top five with production up 3 percent to $1.22 billion although volume declined 1 percent to 7.430 million carats.
