Canada

In 1961, geologists began exploring Canada for diamonds. However, it wasn't until 1987 that the first economic kimberlite discovery was made. A large ongoing exploration programme made Canada the third-largest diamond producer by value and fourth-largest by volume in 2017.

Despite Canada's long history of exploring for minerals, vast swathes of the country remain relatively unexplored. Diamond exploration in Canada focuses on sourcing economically viable diamonds in ways that protect people, support communities and safeguard the environment.

The Gahcho Kué mine directly supports thousands of full-time time jobs, and indirectly supports on-site contractors and supply chain workers. The mine focuses on investing locally, making sure the economic benefits of diamond production reach communities at the mining site.

Strong partnerships between the mine and local communities have driven Canada's successful diamond industry. This approach is based on the belief that diamonds from DTC can deliver economic and social value locally, regionally and throughout Canada – wherever diamond operations are present.

Transporting diamonds

Underpinned by a robust focus on safety, diamonds are extracted from kimberlite in processing plants located at the mine, then a royalty valuation takes place, as per Canadian mining regulations, and certified under the Kimberley Process. The diamonds are then shipped to DTC’s central sorting facility in Gaborone, Botswana, where they are aggregated into assortments for purchase by our rough diamond customers.

Once purchased, the diamonds are transferred via secure courier to the Government Diamond Office in Gaborone for further verification and certification under the Kimberley Process, before being shipped to our customers’ offices once payment has been received. Diamonds that are set aside for beneficiation in Canada will be securely transferred directly to our customers’ Canadian cutting and polishing factories.

As part of the Best Practice Principles and OECD Due Diligence Guidance requirements, every stage of the movement of diamonds must be assessed for potential risks. Because of the environment in which we operate, the management systems we adopt and the training that is provided to all security personnel,  our assessment process found that the risks associated with the transport of diamonds in Canada are very low. We continue to ensure that our systems, policies and processes remain current and effective.