DDIscourse     June 2017
African government representatives learn rough diamond valuation in Antwerp



In the context of Kimberley Process Technical Assistance, DDI, along with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is offering a 2-week course in rough diamond valuation to representatives of four diamond-producing countries. The goal of the training is to help the participants develop their skills in valuation, and enhance their country's capacity to implement KP certification at the point of export. Continue reading...

Meet our new team members

DDI is proud to announce the recent appointment of Dr. Hany Besada as Program and Deputy Executive Director. He brings with him expertise in resource governance in Africa and extensive project management experience.

Two new people joined our Board of Directors at the AGM in April. Brandee Dallow is an award-winning strategic communications executive specializing in luxury brands, products and services. From 2014 until 2017, she led Rio Tinto Diamonds' North American office.

Dr. Lansana Gberie currently works at the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) as political advisor. He was involved with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme early on, and worked on the Human Security and International Diamond Trade project.

We are honoured to welcome these gifted people to the DDI team, and we look forward to working together in favour of artisanal miners.
 

Dorothée Gizenga presents DDI's proposed reforms at the KP Intersessional in May
DDI proposes changes to the Kimberley Process

Every three years, the Kimberley Process (KP) undertakes to modify its policies and procedures in response to changes to the context in which the KPCS operates.

This year 2017, is a reform year. In response to a call for recommendations from the KP Chair, DDI submitted several proposals, covering six areas dealing with KP effectiveness and accountability, as well as its credibility among its own members and the international public.  Read recommendations...



Thank you Marie-Chantal Kaninda!

Marie-Chantal Kaninda participated in her final AGM with DDI in April of
this year. After many years as Chief Advisor External Affairs Africa of Rio Tinto, she was appointed Executive Director of World Diamond Council in March 2017.
 
Along with more than 20 years of industry marketing and stakeholder engagement experience, Ms. Kaninda brought to DDI her keen interest in the socio-economic development of mining communities, especially in Africa. Ms. Kaninda will be missed, and we wish her well in all that she is undertaking.



Upcoming events

Antwerp Summer University - From Mine to Finger, August 28 - September 8
Ian Smillie, Chair of the DDI Board, will be participating as a guest lecturer, presenting the history and conditions of artisanal and small-scale mining.


Get involved

Become a Friend of DDI

You can help ensure that artisanally-mined diamonds are produced responsibly with benefits to miners and their communities by making a donation and becoming a Friend of DDI. Learn more...


The Diamond Development Initiative works to effect systemic change within the artisanal and small-scale mining sector by convening all interested parties in processes and projects that help turn precious stones and minerals into a source of sustainable community development. DDI's work complements regulatory efforts to favour positive socioeconomic outcomes for miners and their families in developing countries.