/ 21 July 2000

Chamber adds weight to end conflict diamonds trade

REUTERS, Johannesburg | Thursday 10.30am.

THE Chamber of Mines has backed moves to curb and eventually eliminate the trade in ”conflict diamonds”.

”The trade in diamonds from conflict areas must not be allowed to threaten South and southern Africa’s diamond mining industry,” the trade body said.

The Chamber, which represents some of the world’s biggest mining firms such as De Beers, said it backed measures to expel individuals found to be dealing in illegal gems.

The world’s two largest diamond trade groups announced a resolution to crack down on the trade in illegal diamond sales.

The International Diamond Manufacturers Association and World Federation of Diamond Bourses resolution called for an international system for certifying rough diamonds for exports and a global electronic registry to monitor exports and imports. – Reuters