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What is the “Total Clarity” report from the Diamond Producers Association?
How does this first-ever comprehensive report bring the facts to light on the economic and ecological impact of diamond mining?
How does the socioeconomic and environmental impact of large-scale diamond mining contrast with that of lab-grown diamonds?
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Question #1 – First off, for those in our audience who aren’t as familiar with the Diamond Producers Association’s “Total Clarity” report, could you take a few minutes and share the back story of how you became involved in the project, and the methodology used to produce the findings? Timestamp: [5:29]
Question #2 – Thousands of people in the jewelry industry across the planet have read the “Total Clarity” report, but for those who haven’t, could you share the highlights? Timestamp: [7:22]
Question #3 – Given your expertise, were you personally surprised at the findings that emerged? Timestamp: [10:41]
Question #4 – I remember the controversy that Edward Zwick’s 2006 movie titled, “Blood Diamonds” had on every aspect of the diamond trade. It’s incredible how a single movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly could have such an impact on a global industry. How do the findings of the “Total Clarity” report contrast with the movie’s grim portrayal of our business? Timestamp: [14:40]
Question #5 – Let’s spend a few minutes talking about your specialty, which is the environmental impact of diamond mining. What sorts of regulations are in place to ensure environmental protection is being addressed in areas where diamond mining occurs? Timestamp: [17:28]
Question #6 – Let’s stay with the environmental impact of diamond mining for a moment. On September, 28th, 2018 you published an article that specifically spoke about the success the Ekati and Diavik Canadian mines had in protecting the watershed. The article was titled “Canadian Gems: Diamond Mining in the Headwaters of the Coppermine River.” Can you share some of the key points from your article concerning the potential environmental and social impacts of mining are managed so close to the Arctic Circle? Timestamp: [19:17]
Question #7 – Switching gears for a moment, how does the socioeconomic and environmental impact of large-scale diamond mining contrast with that of lab-grown diamonds? Timestamp: [21:25]
Question #8 – We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but is there one question that I should have asked you, but didn’t? Timestamp: [23:25]
Show Links
Total Clarity Report – Total Clarity is an unprecedented initiative from the Diamond Producers Association (DPA), whose seven members are mining companies, together representing 75% of the world’s diamond production. The DPA has partnered with Trucost—a reputable independent research company—to examine and quantify the collective socio-economic and environmental impact of its Members’ diamond mining activities. The Total Clarity report brings together the findings of this analysis and real-life case studies to illustrate the little known reality of modern diamond mining.
Diamond Producers Association – Formed in May 2015 by seven of the world’s leading diamond companies, the Diamond Producers Association (DPA) exists to maintain and enhance consumer demand for, and confidence in diamonds. By promoting the integrity and reputation of diamonds and the diamond industry, the DPA will play a central role in ensuring the long term sustainability of the sector.
Dominion Diamond Mines – Dominion Diamond Mines is a Canadian diamond mining company with ownership interests in two major producing diamond mines situated approximately 200 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The Company operates the Ekati Diamond Mine, in which it owns a controlling interest, and also owns 40% of the Diavik Diamond Mine. It supplies rough diamonds to the global market through its sorting and selling operations in Canada, Belgium, and India and is Canada’s largest independent diamond producer.
“Canadian Gems: Diamond Mining in the Headwaters of the Coppermine River.” – Written by Dr. April Hayward. Socially and environmentally responsible diamond mining is a necessity in Canada’s North, where project and permit approvals are governed by a unique system of co-management between regulatory agencies and Indigenous communities.
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The host of “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show – Jewelry Business Strategist – President of Four Grainer LLC. Author of the business books “A Reason To Chant,” and “A Reason to Chant – Jewelry Trade Edition.” Rod lives in Atlanta with his wife and two almost-human cats.