Mumbai's Mines To Market Conference To Provide Forum For Global Discussion

Little more than a month after hosting the 2017 Presidents Meeting, Mumbai will again be at the center of the global diamond industry's deliberations about its present and future as it stages the 2017 Mines to Market international diamond conference at the start of next week.

As befits a diamond center of the size and importance of India, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has lined up a leading array of members of the diamond and jewelry trade. From representatives of mining firms to ministers of Africa's main diamond-producing centers, and from senior executives of leading retail chains to heads of industry bodies.

There will undoubtedly be those who will claim that it is just another opportunity for members of the diamond trade to get together and repeat what has been said before. While it is true that the conference is unlikely to lead to any ground-breaking new initiatives or discoveries, it is, nonetheless, true that these gatherings do enable members of the global diamond trade to update themselves on the latest developments.

In addition, they serve as a useful way of receiving the input of a wide range of industry players. African ministers and officials can put their point of view of how they see the state of the market – both in front of the conference and, no less importantly, in private meetings.

Meanwhile, mining company representatives can further guage the state of market demand – both for their rough and by hearing from retailers in different markets about changes in consumer buying patterns for diamond jewelry. Of course, miners such as De Beers have their own sophisticated market-tracking technology, but hearing from retail executives and heads of grading labs about what they are seeing on the ground can only be useful.

And then there are the panel discussions which enable the audience to obtain a deeper understanding of certain issues. And humble journalists, such as your faithful servant, are also able, in a matter of two days or so to understand specific subjects a little better. And the opportunities for networking are also excellent, meeting influencers face-to-face.

Conferences undoubtedly provide attendees and participants with fresh approaches and perspectives; how could it be otherwise you are forced to look at issues from a chair that is not located in its usual space next to your desk? There will be a full write-up on the Mines to Market conference in the April issue of IDEX Magazine as well as daily reports.