In 2008, Australia was ranked the world's fourth largest diamond producer by volume and eighth largest by value. The average value per carat for Australian diamonds is relatively low by world standards. Antwerp in Belgium is the world's primary diamond trading and distribution centre. India is the world's largest centre for the manufacturing (cutting and polishing) of diamonds.
Australian Industry Structure
Currently there are two diamond mines operating in Australia. These are the Argyle and Ellendale mines located in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. There is also active diamond exploration within Australia, including at the Merlin mine in the Northern Territory. There are two major diamond producing companies in Australia, Argyle Diamonds and Kimberley Diamond Company NL (Gem Diamonds Limited). The vast majority of Australia's rough diamond production (well over 90 per cent by volume) is generated by the Argyle mine, which is fully owned by Rio Tinto.
International Engagement
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds - rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. Australia is one of 49 participants (counting the European Community and the United Arab Emirates each as one entity) in the KPCS. The KPCS imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as 'conflict-free'. The KPCS bans trade in rough diamonds with non-participants so that a reduction in illicit trade can be achieved.
Information regarding the KPCS in Australia can be obtained from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) webpage. Information on the KPCS can also be obtained from the international Kimberley Process
website.
Information relating to the export of rough diamonds can be obtained from the Kimberley Process Export Application webpage.