DDI to Manage KP Technical Assistance

Artisinal Miner Sierra Leone

(IDEX Online News) – The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI), with the assistance of a grant from Signet Jewelers Ltd., has begun coordinating the technical assistance function of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).

The technical assistance function coordinates support among and between KPCS members in order to enhance compliance and to improve development potential in countries where diamonds are mined artisanally.

The DDI works directly with artisanal miners and their communities to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

“An estimated 16 percent of global annual rough diamond production comes from artisanal sources, involving between 1-1.5 million diggers,” said Signet CEO Mark Light. “Some of those diamonds find their way into jewelry counters around the world, including those in our stores. We believe retailers have a special responsibility to help, when possible, and that’s why we support the work of DDI with technical assistance to the KPCS and in artisanal mining communities is critical.”

He added that as perhaps the largest purchaser of polished diamonds in the world, supporting the work of the DDI was an excellent match for the company. “The Kimberley Process can and should be about more than regulation. It must also add value to diamonds and to the communities and countries where they are mined and polished.”

“We very much welcome the opportunity to manage the technical assistance component,” said Dorothée Gizenga, executive director of DDI. “This is an important part of the Kimberley Process and one where we feel DDI has a lot of value to add.”

World Diamond Council (WDC) president Edward Asscher said he was pleased with the initiative that will be undertaken by DDI. “With the support provided by Signet Jewelers Ltd., DDI takes on an essential component of the KPCS’ raison d’être,” he said. “Technical cooperation within the KPCS has great potential, not just for better compliance, but for advancing the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process and the developmental importance of the diamond industry.”

The WDC represents the diamond industry in efforts to control the trade in diamonds covered by KP, and coordinates overall administrative support for the KPCS.