During a significant meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, spoke with Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group. This meeting, held at the Westin Hotel’s East Pier room on the Harbour Edge Level, was primarily intended to outline a comprehensive growth strategy for GemFair, De Beers’ innovative platform dedicated to promoting ethical diamond trading.
The meeting emphasized the importance of building partnerships and promoting sustainable practices in Sierra Leone’s mining industry. Al Cook stated that GemFair was founded in response to the rising demand for ethically sourced diamonds, with the platform specifically designed to assist artisanal miners by providing access to a secure and responsible marketplace. The initiative focuses on traceability and fair trade principles, allowing customers to make informed choices while also benefiting local communities.
During their conversation, Mr Cook discussed GemFair’s expansion plans, emphasising De Beers’ commitment to supporting and promoting ethical artisanal and small-scale mining in Sierra Leone. He revealed that the company plans to sell the diamonds it has purchased from Sierra Leone over the last six years by 2025. He also announced ambitious expansion plans, such as increasing the number of participating miners, improving digital infrastructure, and facilitating additional training programs. The overarching goal is to empower local communities, improve labour standards, and promote environmental sustainability in the mining industry.
Cook described the meeting with Minister Mattai as an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas about a common vision for a more transparent and equitable diamond industry. He stated that close collaboration with the government is required to implement initiatives that strengthen local economies, promote ethical sourcing, and ensure that diamond mining benefits all stakeholders, particularly artisanal miners, who are frequently marginalised.
Minister Mattai expressed strong support for GemFair’s objectives, stating that they are consistent with the government’s commitment to sustainable resource management and community development. He emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration between the private sector and the government to create a transparent mining environment that respects local communities’ rights while also driving economic growth.
The two leaders discussed potential strategies for integrating GemFair into national mining policies. These strategies include advocating for regulatory frameworks that benefit artisanal and small-scale miners, improving access to training and resources, and highlighting the importance of ethical sourcing in the global marketplace. Cook and Minister Mattai agreed to continue their discussions to solidify a partnership that prioritises social responsibility and sustainability throughout the diamond supply chain. This collaboration promises to pave the way for a more equitable future in Sierra Leone’s diamond industry.
