Central Africa Rebellion Prompts KP Diamond Warning

January 01, 13 by Edahn Golan

Diamond and gold production areas in Eastern CAR.
Hashed area represents occurrence of Mouka-Ouadda
Sandstone Formation. Numbered areas are diamond
deposits. Yellow circles indicate artisanal gold diggings
Map source: RCA et Processus de Kimberley -Estimation du potentiel
diamantifère alluvionnaire et de la capacité de production (2009);
DNG-BRGM-USGS.

(IDEX Online News) – An internal letter to Kimberley Process members warns of possible leakage of diamonds from rebel control areas in the Central African Republic as the rebel coalition Seleka attacks diamond and gold mining areas.

Residents of CAR's capital city Bangui started fleeing, fearing a major battle over control of the city. Rebels have reportedly rejected an offer to form a unity government with President François Bozizé.

Seleka forces have captured diamond rich Bria, Sam Ouandja and Bamingui as they advanced from the country's northeast towards Bangui in the south.

KP members were requested to "remain vigilant regarding the possible illicit introduction of rough diamonds into the supply chain by Seleka or its allies," wrote Ambassador Gillian A. Milovanovic, KP's retiring Chair in the December 28, 2012 letter.

KP's Working Group of Diamond Experts prepared a "footprint" characterizing diamonds produced in the Bria region to help identify diamonds mined in the area (see table below).

Milovanovic added that there is also substantial legitimate rough diamond production in CAR.

Bria's diamond production footprint

Size:	Avg. weight/stone: 0.7 carat; 2 carat common; >3-4 carat less common; >10 carat frequent; exceptionally ~100 carat.
Crystal Morphology:	Saweables (Octahedrons rare): 70-75% Makeables: 25-30% (incl. up to ~30% broken crystals). Mostly rounded, slightly flattened crystals with shiny surface. Many with (alluvial) transportation damage.
Quality:	~85-90%: High & Medium: Mostly greenish-yellowish, Greenish coatings common. Mostly commercial. Rarely colorless. Mostly cleanish. ~10-15%: Low: dark and heavily included crystals.
Value:	Sam Ouandja: ~ 200$/ carat; Bria: 200-250$/ carat; Nzako: >300$/ carat
Production Capacity:	Sam Ouandja: ~ 10,000 carat; Bria: 40,000-50,000 carat; Nzako: ~ 5,000 - 7,500 carat

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