Diamond prices have largely recovered from the 2008 global economic crisis, but the industry is still not back to pre-2008 levels of demand.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Diamond mining firms looking to cash in on higher prices and increased demand for stones are starting to ramp up production. The one major company that is curtailing operations, De Beers, is cutting production 5 percent per year for 5 years to increase mine life.
As the diamond market slowly returns to pre-crash levels companies looking to increase profitability are calling upon their countries to change tax codes to be more favorable to the diamond market. Other countries that are looking to capitalize on mineral wealth are imposing new tax regulations on mining operations to benefit their nations.
Ahead of the JCK Jewelry Show in Las Vegas, new US sales and demand numbers look promising. Imports of both rough and polished stones rose, as well as increased sales numbers from Tiffany & Co. Also, a wrap up of news from diamond mining companies, including the deal between Petra Diamonds and De Beers.
The fight for control of natural resources is heating up between the two fastest growing economies. In a secret deal with Zimbabwe, the Chinese military has secured permits to mine the Marange diamond fields. India, looking to control its supply of rough stones for Surat’s cutting and polishing sector is looking to aide African Nations with medicines, and infrastructure...
Stornoway Diamond (TSE:SWY) reports exploration drilling begins in the fall at the Renard diamond project, North Central Québec, Canada. The upcoming drill program is a continuation of a step-out program of deep drilling first initiated last winter (Stornoway Press Release dated April 14, 2010), and is designed to assess the size and composition of several kimberlite pipes outside [...]
Shear Minerals Ltd.(TSX VENTURE:SRM) announced that SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. has prepared for Shear this mineral resource estimate for the Jericho Diamond Project located in Nunavut, Canada which, as previously announced on July 19, 2010, is to be acquired by Shear from Tahera Diamond Corp. an Benachee Resources Inc.
Stornoway Diamond (TSE:SWY) reports a pre-development agreement for the Renard diamond project. The PDA has been developed on the principle of mutual respect between the parties, and the interests of all in seeing the establishment of a successful diamond mining venture at Renard. It provides for business and employment opportunities for the Crees during the period [...]
Diamonds North Resources Ltd. (CVE:DDN) reports its completion of its initial gold prospecting at HI-1 and has initiated prospecting at HI-2. The potential extent of the gold mineralization appears more significant than originally expected at both locations. HI-1 and HI-2 prospects are on the Halkett Inlet Property located in Nunavut. Mark Kolebaba, President & CEO of Diamonds North [...]
Stornoway Diamond (TSE:SWY) reports that it has began the feasibility study at the Renard diamond project, North Central Québec, Canada. The Renard Diamond Project is a 50:50 joint venture between Stornoway Diamond Corporation and SOQUEM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SGF, the Québec government’s main industrial and financial holding company. Matt Manson, President and CEO of Stornoway says: [...]
Sola Resource Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SL) (PINK SHEETS:SORSF) reported that it has provided a Positive Notice under its Memorandum of Understanding, with Rio Madeira Comercio Importacao E Exportacao De Minerios.
Diamonds North Resources Ltd. (CVE:DDN) has began its 2010 exploration programs on the Amaruk property, Nunavut, Canada. The diamond program will focus on the collection of a 25 tonne bulk sample from the Beluga-3 kimberlite to further test for commercial size diamonds. The gold program will focus on defining drill targets in areas where anomalous gold was [...]
Stornoway Diamond (TSE:SWY) reports results of a diamond content for the Renard 65 kimberlite pipe at the Renard diamond project. Renard 65 is the largest kimberlite pipe in the Renard cluster, with a surface area of approximately 1.7 hectares. In 2003 a large, gem quality diamond of 4.04 carats was recovered within drill core, an exceptionally [...]
Big Red Diamond Corporation (TSX VENTURE:DIA) announced that it has closed a non-brokered flow-through private placement of 240 units for a total amount of $192,000.
Vaaldiam Mining Inc. (TSX:VAA) and Base Iron Ltd. (‘BIL’) (ASX:BSE) announced that BIL has received firm commitments for its A$4.6 million share issue to finance its acquisition of Vaaldiam’s Kwale Project.

For upcoming diamond investing trade shows, see the following links: Cambridgehouse, IIC, Chicago Resource Expo
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Monday, August 23, 2010