The Diamond Producers Association (DPA), an alliance of the seven leading diamond mining companies, together representing 75% of the world’s diamond production, released its first independent research report on its members’ impact on local communities, employees and the environment.
The report, authored by Trucost and titled The Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact of Large-Scale Diamond Mining, is the world’s first comprehensive analysis of the contributions of DPA members, examining socioeconomic and environmental benefits and impacts.
Data from Trucost ESG Analysis, part of S&P Global, reveals that DPA members generate more than $16 billion in net socioeconomic and environmental benefits through their diamond mining operations. The report finds that the vast majority of these benefits are infused into communities through local employment, sourcing of goods and services, taxes and royalties, social programmes and infrastructure investment. The report also uncovers that DPA members pay employees and contractors on average 66% above national average salaries and that companies focus extensively on employee training to ensure a highly-skilled workforce.
The report from Trucost also creates a baseline from which DPA members will further build to demonstrate progress toward their emission reduction goals. Collectively, DPA members emitted the equivalent of 160 kg of carbon dioxide per polished carat produced. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide generated by driving 390 miles (628 km) in an average passenger vehicle. Each DPA member has set goals to reduce these emissions, which constitute the majority of diamond mining’s environmental footprint.
Despite significant progress toward responsible and transparent practices over the past 15 years, the current reality of the diamond mining sector remains largely unknown. This report provides access into a highly scrutinised, yet largely misunderstood sector, the DPA said.
“This report marks an industry first. Diamond producing companies representing three quarters of the world’s production have come together to provide a window into the impacts and benefits of their activities on the communities and environments of the countries and regions in which they operate,” said Jean-Marc Lieberherr, DPA CEO.
“This independent research report breaks outdated stereotypes and misconceptions and identifies the next set of challenges that must be met to continue to evolve and improve as an industry. It also provides a baseline for industry participants and observers to track future progress.”
The world’s seven leading diamond producers – Alrosa, De Beers Group, Dominion Diamond Mines, Lucara Diamond Corp., Murowa Diamonds, Petra Diamonds and Rio Tinto – employ more than 77,000 individuals globally. DPA members operate diamond mines in the following countries: Botswana, Russia, Canada, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Australia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
“This report marks the first time Trucost has seen an industry come together to measure its environmental, social and economic benefits and impacts,” said Libby Bernick, managing director and global head of Trucost Corporate Business. “This data provides a baseline for future progress on issues, including environmental impact. We are very excited to work with the DPA and its member companies to release this research on the total value of their benefits and impacts, promoting greater transparency on environmental and social performance to the capital markets.”
Trucost measured the total benefits and impacts of the diamond mining activities of the DPA members across 21 key socioeconomic and environmental indicators based on data collected for over 150 different metrics from DPA sites representing 70% of the DPA member’s total rough diamond production.
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