World’s Top 10 Diamond-Producing Countries

2024-09-23

Here are the world's top 10 diamond-producing countries based on the quantity of diamonds mined annually:

New Project 28

1. Russia

Annual production: ~19-25 million carats

Key mines: Udachnaya, Jubilee, and Mirny.

Overview: Russia is the world’s largest diamond producer by volume, with major production coming from the vast region of Siberia. ALROSA, a state-owned company, is the dominant producer.

2. Botswana

Annual production: ~20-22 million carats

Key mines: Orapa, Jwaneng, and Letlhakane.

Overview: Botswana is renowned for producing some of the highest-quality diamonds. The Jwaneng mine is one of the richest diamond mines in the world.

3. Canada

Annual production: ~17-19 million carats

Key mines: Diavik, Ekati, and Gahcho Kué.

Overview: Canada has quickly become one of the top diamond producers, with mines located in the remote northern regions. Canadian diamonds are known for their ethical production standards.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Annual production: ~12-14 million carats

Key mines: Mbuji-Mayi.

Overview: DRC is a significant producer of industrial-grade diamonds. Despite the high volume, the majority of diamonds from the DRC are low-quality and used in industrial applications.

5. Australia

Annual production: ~10-12 million carats (although production has decreased)

Key mines: Argyle (now closed).

Overview: Australia was once a leading producer of diamonds, particularly colored diamonds such as pink diamonds from the Argyle mine, which closed in 2020. The country’s diamond output has declined since.

6. Angola

Annual production: ~8-9 million carats

Key mines: Catoca.

Overview: Angola is rich in diamond deposits, with the Catoca mine being one of the largest in the world. The country produces both gem-quality and industrial diamonds.

7. South Africa

Annual production: ~7-8 million carats

Key mines: Venetia, Finsch, and Cullinan.

Overview: South Africa has a rich diamond history, being the birthplace of some of the world’s largest diamonds, including the Cullinan diamond. It continues to be a major producer, though output has declined compared to its peak.

8. Zimbabwe

Annual production: ~3-4 million carats

Key mines: Marange and Murowa.

Overview: Zimbabwe's Marange fields have been controversial due to reports of human rights violations. However, the country remains an important diamond producer.

9. Namibia

Annual production: ~2 million carats

Key mines: Oranjemund (offshore mining).

Overview: Namibia is unique for its offshore diamond mining operations, which recover diamonds from the seabed along its coast. The country is known for its high-quality diamonds.

10. Lesotho

Annual production: ~1 million carats

Key mines: Letseng, Mothae.

Overview: Lesotho is known for producing exceptionally large and high-value diamonds, particularly from the Letseng mine, which is renowned for large gem-quality diamonds.

Summary:

These countries dominate the global diamond industry, with Russia, Botswana, and Canada leading in terms of volume. However, the quality of diamonds varies across regions, with Botswana and Namibia being known for their gem-quality diamonds, while the DRC produces mostly industrial-grade stones. The economic impact of diamond mining is significant in many of these nations, contributing to national revenues and local development.