KP Chair Discusses Diamond Issues With DRC Minister of Mines, Officials

(IDEX Online) – Kimberley Process (KP) Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem met with ministers and senior industry figures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to talk through the country’s position on the KP and to discuss various initiatives and programs to further its stature as a major diamond producer.

He held talks with Minister of Mines Martin Labilo and Minister of Economy Bahati Lukwebo Modeste along with Deputy Director General Pascal Nyembo Muyumba, of the Centre for Evaluation, Expert Analysis and Certification of Precious Minerals (CEEC). CEEC is the body that monitors mining and the processes of minerals and precious metals, including diamonds.

Muyumba took Bin Sulayem on a tour of DRC’s only diamond processing and official export facility in Kinshasa, where the KP Chair observed the secure operation of diamond sorting and processing first hand.

Bin Sulayem said, “It is important to understand not only the government's position and policy on the continued mining and export of rough diamonds, as it relates to KP mandates, but also to experience the operation from a senior public servant’s point of view, should the political landscape of the country change in the upcoming November elections.”

The KP Chair also met with Chamber of Mines President Simon Tuma-Waku who is a strong proponent of the KP and its mandates. He said that he believes future governments will support the KP given the contribution that diamond exports make to the DRC economy.

Bin Sulayem commented further, “Having met with senior government officials and public servants, as well as cabinet ministers, it’s clear that continued adherence to the Kimberley Process is vital to the country’s economic development. It appears that the strength of dedication and determination, held by the public servants and officials, should be enough to ensure KP principles and mandates are upheld into the future.” 

DRC is the world’s third biggest diamond producer by volume, and is responsible for approximately 13% of global output, which are mostly industrial diamonds.