Diamonds have long captivated human interest, symbolizing wealth and beauty. In 2023, the global diamond production reached approximately 111.52 million carats, with the industry dominated by a select few countries. Russia leads the pack, contributing over 37 million carats, followed by Botswana with over 25 million carats. Significant producers include Canada, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each nation boasts rich deposits and unique mining practices, shaping their economies and influencing the global diamond market. Here is the list of the biggest diamond producers in the world. 

List of 10 Biggest Diamond Producers in the World

1. Russia
2. Botswana
3. Canada
4. Angola
5. Democratic Republic of Congo
6. South Africa
7. Zimbabwe
8. Namibia
9. Sierra Leone
10. Lesotho

1) Russia

Russia continues to be the world’s leading diamond producer, with an astounding 37.32 million carats produced in 2023. The majority of the nation’s diamonds are produced in the isolated Sakha Republic (Yakutia) region of Siberia, where harsh weather makes mining operations difficult and costly. Russia’s diamond business is dominated by the state-owned company Alrosa, which produces most of the country’s supply and more than 25% of the global market.

The primary source of diamonds in Russia’s diamond reserves is the old volcanic formations known as kimberlite pipes. The Mir mine, one of the world’s deepest open-pit mines, is the most well-known diamond mine in the nation, despite being largely idle at the moment. Despite geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting trade, Russia continues to be a key player in the global diamond market, exporting to countries like China, India, and Belgium.

Besides rough diamonds, Russia is also a significant producer of polished stones, with a growing domestic cutting and polishing industry. The diamonds produced here are known for their high quality, which makes Russia a crucial supplier for the global jewelry market.

2) Botswana

As of 2023, Botswana stands as the world’s second-largest producer of diamonds, with an output of 25.09 million carats. Botswana’s economy is based mostly on this sector, with the diamond industry accounting for around 25% of GDP and 70% of export revenue. Since the 1960s, when the country’s diamond wealth was first realized, Botswana has emerged as a global leader in producing diamonds, which are prized for their huge, superior stones.

Often referred to as “the richest diamond mine in the world,” the Jwaneng mine is one of the main components of Debswana, a joint venture that consists of De Beers and the government of Botswana. Much of the diamonds produced in the nation come from this one mine alone. The Orapa mine, another major source, is also one of the largest open-pit diamond mines in the world.

Botswana has set itself apart by reinvesting diamond revenues into national development, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Unlike many other resource-rich nations, Botswana has maintained a stable political environment, allowing it to effectively manage its diamond wealth. The country is also a global hub for diamond sorting, cutting, and polishing, adding value to the stones before they enter the international market.

3) Canada

Canada is the third-largest diamond producer by volume, with 15.98 million carats produced in 2023, making it a significant player in the world diamond market. The nation is well-known for its premium diamonds, most of which are produced in the far-off, frigid Northwest Territories. Despite being relatively new (the first mine opened in the 1990s), the Canadian diamond sector has experienced significant significant growth because of its substantial reserves and morally sound mining methods.

Situated close to the Arctic Circle, Canada’s most well-known diamond mines are Diavik and Ekati. To mine through deep kimberlite pipes and permafrost, these mines must employ inventive procedures due to their difficult, subarctic operating circumstances. Another important contributor that enhances Canada’s position in the sector is the Gahcho Kué mine.

Canadian diamonds are prized for their ethical origins, as the country adheres strictly to environmental and labor standards, making their stones highly sought after in the market. Canada is also a participant in the Kimberley Process, ensuring its diamonds are conflict-free. The country’s diamond production has contributed significantly to the local economy, providing employment and infrastructure development in remote communities while maintaining a strong reputation for responsible mining.

4) Angola

With 9.75 million carats produced in 2023, Angola is a major producer of diamonds. With some of the greatest diamond reserves in Africa, the nation ranks fourth in the world for diamond production. Angola’s economy depends heavily on diamonds, which also generate a significant amount of government revenue and export money. Some of the most productive kimberlite and alluvial diamond resources in the world can be found in the diamond-rich regions of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul in the nation.

Angola’s production of diamonds is significantly influenced by the Catoca mine, one of the biggest diamond mines in the world. It makes up over 75% of the nation’s total production. The Russian mining behemoth Alrosa, the Angolan government, and several foreign partners jointly own Catoca. Besides Catoca, Angola is expanding its exploration efforts to develop new mines, aiming to boost production even further in the coming years.

Angola’s diamond sector has a complex history, as it was once associated with conflict diamonds during its civil war. However, the country has made significant strides in adhering to the Kimberley Process, ensuring that its diamonds are now certified conflict-free. Angola’s growing focus on transparency and regulatory frameworks has improved its international reputation, attracting more investment into the diamond industry.

5) Democratic Republic of Congo

With 8.35 million carats of diamonds produced in 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) rose to the top of the world diamond production list. The nation has enormous diamond reserves, and most of the nation’s diamond production is found in the Kasai region, where both artisanal and industrial mining are prevalent. Compared to kimberlite diamonds, most diamonds mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are alluvial, which means they are located in riverbeds and require less infrastructure to extract.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s diamond sector confronts difficulties despite its abundant diamond resources, such as inadequate investment in contemporary mining infrastructure and problems with regulatory monitoring. A significant portion of the nation’s diamond mining is carried out by artisanal miners, who work in unofficial, small-scale settings. This contributes to lower production efficiency and a higher likelihood of unregulated, conflict-related diamonds entering the market.

The DRC is a participant in the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds. However, issues with governance and transparency still hinder the full potential of its diamond sector. While the DRC’s diamonds are typically of lower quality than those from other leading producers like Botswana or Russia, they remain a crucial export for the country, helping to support its economy.

6) South Africa

5.89 million carats of diamonds were produced in South Africa in 2023, the country credited with founding the modern diamond industry. South Africa is still a major player in the world diamond market, although losing its former position of dominance. The discovery of the renowned Kimberley mine, which transformed diamond mining globally, in the 19th century marked the beginning of the nation’s diamond mining history.

Alluvial deposits and kimberlite pipes are the main sources of diamonds in South Africa today. The greatest producer of diamonds in the nation, Venetia mine run by De Beers, accounts for a significant amount of the nation’s annual production. Other important mines include the Finsch and Cullinan mines, the latter being the source of some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough diamond ever discovered.

South Africa’s diamond industry is highly regulated and benefits from modern mining infrastructure. The country is also a leader in diamond cutting and polishing, adding value to its production before diamonds are exported. South African diamonds are known for their size and quality, and the industry continues to be a key contributor to the country’s economy, providing employment and supporting local communities.

7) Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe ranked among the top diamond-producing countries in Africa in 2023 with 4.91 million carats of diamonds produced. The majority of Zimbabwe’s diamond reserves are found in the Marange fields, an area in the east of the country well-known for its enormous alluvial diamond reserves. One of the greatest diamond-producing regions on Earth is Marange, whose discovery in the early 2000s significantly expanded Zimbabwe’s diamond sector.

Zimbabwe has a potential for diamond production, but the industry has been beset by controversy. Transparency issues and claims of violations of human rights have been raised about the Marange fields. However, in recent years, the Zimbabwean government has made efforts to reform the industry and attract foreign investment by improving oversight and ensuring adherence to international standards, including the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market.

Zimbabwe’s diamond production plays a crucial role in its economy, contributing significantly to export revenue and employment, especially in the mining sector. The country is actively seeking to expand its diamond production through joint ventures with international companies, focusing on increasing output and improving the quality of diamonds produced. With ongoing reforms and investment, Zimbabwe has the potential to further elevate its standing in the global diamond industry.

8) Namibia

In 2023, Namibia produced 2.39 million carats of diamonds, reaffirming its standing as a major participant in the world diamond market. Namibia is unique in that it is one of the world’s leaders in marine diamond extraction due to its emphasis on offshore mining. Alluvial deposits that have been washed into the Atlantic Ocean over millions of years are the main source of the nation’s diamonds. Diamond mining from the seabed along Namibia’s coast is mostly carried out by Debmarine Namibia, a joint venture between the Namibian government and De Beers.

Namibia’s diamonds are known for their excellent quality, and a sizable percentage of them are considered gem-grade, which increases their value on the international market. Marine mining technology, including specialized ships equipped with advanced dredging equipment, enables Namibia to extract diamonds from depths of up to 140 meters. This unique mining method has contributed to the country’s diamond production and sustained its economic growth.

The diamond sector is a crucial part of Namibia’s economy, contributing significantly to export revenues and creating jobs. Namibia is also committed to adding value to its diamonds through local cutting and polishing initiatives, ensuring that a portion of its diamond wealth stays within the country. With ongoing technological advancements, Namibia continues to be a pioneer in the diamond mining industry.

9) Sierra Leone

In 2023, Sierra Leone produced 0.53 million carats of diamonds, indicating a significant but still modest contribution to the world diamond industry. The majority of the nation’s diamonds are alluvial, and they are mined on a modest, artisanal basis in riverbeds and gravel terraces. Although Sierra Leone produces fewer diamonds than other major producers, the grade of these stones is frequently higher, with rare large stones selling for high prices in international markets.

The history of Sierra Leone’s diamond industry has been tumultuous, especially in the 1990s civil war when “blood diamonds” inflamed tensions and violence. Since the war’s end, the nation has made great efforts to revive the diamond industry. Sierra Leone is now a participant in the Kimberley Process, ensuring that its diamonds are conflict-free and responsibly sourced. However, challenges such as illegal mining and smuggling still exist, impacting the country’s ability to fully capitalize on its diamond wealth.

Diamonds remain an essential part of Sierra Leone’s economy, providing jobs and generating export revenue. The government is continuing to implement reforms to promote transparency and attract foreign investment, aiming to boost formal production and improve the livelihoods of those involved in artisanal mining.

10) Lesotho

Despite its modest size, Lesotho produced 0.47 million carats of diamonds in 2023, establishing itself as a leader in the world diamond market with huge, premium gemstones. The nation’s hilly landscape is home to abundant kimberlite deposits, and its diamonds are among the best in the world, frequently fetching high prices on the global market. The legendary Letšeng mine, located in Lesotho, is well-known for yielding some of the biggest diamonds ever found—many of which weigh more than 500 carats.

The majority of Lesotho’s diamond production comes from the Gem stones-operated Letšeng mine, which is renowned for its extraordinarily high-value stones despite being rarer than those produced by other major diamond-producing countries. The Mothae mine, another significant producer, also adds to Lesotho’s diamond production and has seen a resurgence in recent years with increased investment.

Diamonds are a crucial part of Lesotho’s economy, generating significant revenue and providing jobs in a nation where other industries are limited. The government has taken steps to ensure the sector’s sustainability by promoting responsible mining practices and ensuring that the wealth generated from diamonds benefits the country’s development, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives.

No.	Country	Diamond Production (Million Carats)
1	Russia	37.32
2	Botswana	25.09
3	Canada	25.98
4	Angola	9.75
5	Democratic Republic of Congo	8.35
6	South Africa	5.89
7	Zimbabwe	4.91
8	Namibia	2.39
9	Sierra Leone	0.53
10	Lesotho	0.47

Conclusion

The landscape of global diamond production is shaped by a few key players, with Russia, Botswana, and Canada at the forefront. In 2023, these countries produced 37.32 million, 25.09 million, and 15.98 million carats, respectively, highlighting their significance in the market. Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo also contribute notably, with production figures of 9.75 million and 8.35 million carats. As the demand for sustainable and ethically sourced diamonds continues to rise, the practices of these nations will increasingly come under scrutiny. Understanding the contributions of the biggest diamond producers in the world not only reveals the industry’s dynamics but also underscores the importance of responsible mining practices.

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