Africa  
Current Research Project
Artisanal Diamond Mining Project

Concept

EGMONT is currently managing a project regarding the artisanal and small-scale mining of diamonds. Since these diamonds are mostly traded in an informal way, they pose a threat to the credibility and integrity of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). In addition, while the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of diamonds is of great importance for a number of (predominantly African) nations, it is often accompanied by human rights violations and, despite the great potential for development, mostly a survival strategy.

The objective of this project is to examine different strategies and possibilities to strengthen the controls on artisanal diamond mining.
The project aims to shed light on the enormous complexity of this sector, without trying to reinvent the wheel. By building on existing research as well as new investigations conducted for this project, it is our goal to identify challenges and opportunities in the artisanal diamond mining sector. In addition, by critically reviewing past and present projects and initiatives regarding ASM, we aim to develop concrete and operational policy recommendations. The research will not have a specific regional focus, although it should be noted that over 90% of world artisanal diamond production originates in Africa.

Publications

• Diamonds, rice, and a ‘maggi cube’. Artisanal Diamond Mining and Livelihoods in Liberia, Steven Van Bockstael and Koen Vlassenroot (eds.), Ghent, Academia Press, 2011.
• 
  Artisanal diamond mining. Perspectives and challenges, Koen Vlassenroot and Steven Van Bockstael (eds.), Nov. 2008.
  Flyer - order form.
  

Events

• 17 Nov. 2011: Presentation of Egmont Artisanal Diamond Mining Project. "Artisanal diamond mining and rural change in West and Central Africa"
  -Book presentation - For the book, see: Diamonds, rice, and a ‘maggi cube’. Artisanal Diamond Mining and Livelihoods in Liberia, Steven Van Bockstael and Koen Vlassenroot (eds.), Ghent, Academia Press, 2011. (ISBN 9789038218724 ),
  -location: Brussels,
  -organisation: EGMONT.
• 03-06 Nov. 2008: Presentation of the research results on artisanal diamonds
  -Public presentation,
  -location: New Delhi, India,
  -organisation: EGMONT.
• 03-06 Nov. 2008: Presentation of the research results on artisanal diamonds - Plenary meeting KPCS
  -Plenary meeting (restricted audience),
  -location: New Delhi, India,
  -organisation: EGMONT.
• 15-16 Sept. 2008: Validation Workshop Artisanal Diamond Mining Project
  -Expert meeting (restricted audience),
  -location: Pretoria, South Africa,
  -organisation: EGMONT.

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