Third International Rough Diamond hopes big

The Third International Rough Diamond Conference, to be held on February 11 and 12, 2008, will feature representatives of more than 99% of the world’s rough diamond production, the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) reported today. This includes the leadership of the five largest world producers (by value): Botswana, Russia, Canada, Angola and South Africa, all of which will be represented by ministers or top corporate producers.

In addition, the conference will feature an unprecedented roster of leaders from current and future production companies, as well as ministers and delegations from most major diamond producing countries in Africa.

IDI said that registration for the conference had exceeded all expectations, with the Tel Aviv conference attracting hundreds of participants from diamond companies and organizations worldwide.

IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that the unprecedented response of diamond producers underscores Israel’s leading position as a center for both polished and rough diamonds. During the past year 69% of the world’s rough diamonds by value were traded in Israel, while Israeli manufacturers cut and polished more than half of the world’s gem quality rough. This makes Israel of key strategic importance to the rough diamond industry. We are pleased that the conference will bring together the most important players in the rough diamond universe. This will be an opportunity for diamond leaders to exchange views on issues facing the world diamond industry and to share their vision, he said.

The world’s major diamond producing companies will be represented by their top executives, including De Beers Managing Director Gareth Penny, DTC Managing Director Varda Shine, Alrosa Managing Director Sergei Vybornov, Harry Winston Diamond Corporation President Robert Gannicott, Petra CEO Adonis Pouroulis, Gem Diamonds Managing Director Clifford Elphick, Namdeb Managing Director Inge Zaamwani and Mwana Africa CEO Kalaa Mpinga.

African diamond producing countries are sending significant delegations, most headed by mining ministers. These include Botswana Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Lesotho Minister of Natural Resources Monyane Moleleki, Angolan Minister of Geology and Mines Manuel Africano; Liberian Minister of Land, Mines and Energy Eugene Shannon, DRC Deputy Minister of Mines Victor Kasongo, as well as Namibian Diamond Commissioner Kennedy Hamutenya.

Future sources of rough supply will be addressed by Rockwell Diamonds CEO Jeffrey Brenner, Stornoway Diamond Corp. CEO Eira Thomas, Shore Gold Senior Vice President George Read and Stellar Diamonds CEO Karl Smithson.

In addition the conference will be addressed by Israel Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Eli Yishai is scheduled to speak at the conference. Other speakers include Israeli diamantaire Lev Leviev, Director-General of the Diamond Administration of China Li Mu and India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s Praveen Shankar Pandya.

IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said that this conference is aimed at bringing the diamond producers closer to the Israeli market and industry. This is an important opportunity to highlight the advantages of Israel as a manufacturing and trading center. The conference will provide a venue for the world’s diamond leadership and the Israeli diamond industry to establish important business ties.

Story link: Third International Rough Diamond hopes big