Conflict Free Diamond

No to blood diamonds. No to child labour. Yes, to Sustainability

What are conflict diamonds? 

 

  • Blood diamonds have funded brutal wars in countries such as Angola, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, leading to widespread suffering and loss of life.
  • Conflict diamonds are often used by rebel forces to purchase arms and finance illegal activities, perpetuating violence and instability in affected regions.
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  • The extraction of conflict diamonds contributes to the exploitation of local communities, with miners facing hazardous working conditions and receiving inadequate compensation for their labor.
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  • VVS by Simmons 100% GUARANTEES

    Conflict Free Diamonds

    In fact, our supply chains support the vital economies in African countries, such as Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and have rigid sustainability policies.

    In the realm of natural diamonds, the tangible benefits bestowed upon local diamond mining communities are profound. With up to 80% of the rough diamond value retained within these communities, the impact resonates deeply. This wealth emanates from various avenues: local procurement, employment opportunities, social initiatives, infrastructure development, and the substantial financial contributions made to governments in the form of taxes, royalties, and dividends.

    This translates into transformative outcomes:

    • Over four million people gain access to healthcare.
    • More than 500,000 children receive free education.
    • Conservation endeavors safeguard over 1,000 square miles of pristine natural landscapes.
    • Over four million people gain access to healthcare.
    • More than 500,000 children receive free education.
    •  Conservation endeavors safeguard over 1,000 square miles of pristine natural landscapes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
      In the Northwest Territories (NWT) of Canada, natural diamonds are integral,contributing significantly to 24% of the regional GDP. Over a span  from 1996 to 2021, the diamond mines in this region generated substantial
      employment, totaling 32,137 person-years, and injected over $24 billion into the economy. Notably, a substantial portion of this wealth, nearly $17 billion,
      enriched local NWT businesses, with an additional $7.5 billion benefiting Indigenous-owned enterprise In Botswana, the intrinsic value of natural diamonds transcends economic measures, fostering a society where free healthcare and education are fundamental rights. This underscores the pivotal role of natural diamonds in supporting vital sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. With natural diamonds constituting 88% of Botswana's total exports and contributing 33% to its GDP in 2021, their significance is undeniable.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
      Globally, the Kimberley Process serves as a beacon of integrity in the trade of rough diamonds. Championed by the United Nations and The World Trade Organization, this framework has effectively eradicated conflict diamonds, uniting 80 participant countries, civil society representatives, and industry stakeholders in its mission.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
      Conversely, the realm of synthetic diamonds (lab grown diamonds) lacks a unified global framework akin to the Kimberley Process. This absence makes it challenging to ascertain the origins and commercialization practices of synthetic (lab grown) diamonds.

      Addressing environmental concerns associated with diamond production mandates a nuanced approach, recognizing the diverse production processes, geographical contexts, and sustainability initiatives across industry players. Transparency and accountability are paramount, with each organization expected to meticulously document and verify their practices through independent assessments. Nelson Mandela: “The diamond industry is vital to the southern African economy”

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