Diamcor Mining provide a brief overview of the significant events which shaped the diamond industry in 2023, their implications for the sector, and the actions taken to allow the industry to move forward in 2024 with a sense of optimism. Additionally, we are pleased to provide an overview of the Company’s main operational focus for the coming year.
The initial G7 sanctions on rough diamonds originating in Russia proved largely ineffective throughout the year, however several revisions by the G7 to increase the effectiveness of these sanctions came into effect on January 1, 2024. Additional sanctions on rough diamonds originating in Russia were also announced by the European Union on January 3, 2024.
The industry demonstrated its ability to implement proactive changes in 2023 to strengthen itself for 2024, and the Company reaffirms its belief in the unique value proposition of its Krone-Endora at Venetia project given its ability to provide non-conflict natural rough diamonds to the world market moving forward.
Unlike their lab-grown counterparts, natural diamonds are treasured for their rarity, provenance, and the timeless allure they hold, and with limited supplies of natural diamonds remaining, the revised sanctions on Russia (~30% of annual global production), many mines reaching the end of their lives, the general sentiment in the industry is that yearly production levels are expected to continue to drop in the years to come.
The adjustments made by the industry in 2023 appear to have been effective, with price recoveries in various categories becoming apparent later in the year. The Company believes this trend of increasing prices will continue into 2024.
Moving forward, with the level of increases ultimately being driven by combined elements such as: consumer spending, increased shortages due to revised sanctions on Russia, potential reductions in yearly production from existing mines, and increased demand due to the recovery and growth of emerging markets such as China and India.
After successfully navigating its way through various complex global and industry issues of recent years, the Company sees 2024 as a year of significant opportunity in which it can return its primary focus back to the advancement and growth of its Krone-Endora at Venetia project. The Project has always presented a compelling opportunity given its direct relationship with De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine, which is widely accepted as one of the most prolific diamond mines in the world.
The Company’s primary areas of focus for 2024 will be the continuation of trial-mining exercises and optimization of operational efficiencies, with ancillary diamond recoveries and sales revenue which will assist in supporting the advancement of the Project’s recommended work programs and continued advancement.
The Company has successfully advanced the Project from its inception into the fully permitted Project with significant infrastructure and the growth potential it represents today. We believe with the recent events of the past few years now largely behind us, we are well-positioned in 2024 to now take advantage of the compelling opportunity that companies such as Diamcor have with the ability to provide gem quality natural rough diamonds from non-conflict areas moving forward.
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