Where Are Diamonds Mined?

Diamonds are among the rarest natural materials on earth – formed over billions of years, deep beneath the planet’s surface, under extreme heat and pressure. But while their origin is geological, their journey to becoming fine jewellery begins at the mine.

Understanding where diamonds are mined helps you appreciate not only their rarity, but also their value, ethics, and provenance. As jewellers, this knowledge is fundamental – because every diamond carries a story long before it ever reaches a ring.

How Diamonds Are Formed (Briefly)

Natural diamonds form approximately 140–200 kilometres below the Earth’s surface, within the mantle. Carbon atoms crystallise under immense pressure and heat, creating the structure that gives diamonds their unmatched hardness and brilliance.

Volcanic activity then carries these diamonds closer to the surface through kimberlite and lamproite pipes, where they can eventually be mined.

This process takes billions of years – which is why truly natural diamonds are finite and irreplaceable.

Aerial view of an active diamond mine showing mining equipment and excavation areas where natural diamonds are extracted

The Major Diamond Mining Countries

Today, diamonds are mined in only a handful of locations worldwide. Each region produces diamonds with distinct characteristics, histories, and reputations.

Botswana

Botswana is one of the world’s most important diamond producers and is widely regarded as a leader in ethical diamond mining.

  • Produces a high volume of gem-quality diamonds
  • Diamonds are known for excellent clarity and size
  • Strong government oversight and transparency
  • Diamond revenue contributes significantly to national infrastructure, education, and healthcare

Botswana diamonds are often considered among the most responsibly sourced in the world.

Russia

Russia is one of the largest diamond producers by volume, primarily through mines located in Siberia.

  • Produces a wide range of diamond sizes and qualities
  • Known for high-quality octahedral rough
  • Mining conditions are extreme due to climate

Due to geopolitical considerations, sourcing transparency is especially important when selecting Russian-origin diamonds.

Canada

Canada is known for producing some of the most ethically traceable diamonds in the world.

  • Mines located in the Northwest Territories
  • Diamonds often laser-inscribed with origin information
  • Strong environmental and labour regulations
  • Typically higher cost due to operational standards

Canadian diamonds are prized for their transparency and clean provenance.

South Africa

South Africa holds historic significance in the diamond industry and was the site of many early major discoveries.

  • Produces a wide range of diamond qualities
  • Known for large, high-impact stones
  • Long-standing mining infrastructure

While modern regulations have improved practices, provenance still varies by mine and supplier.

Namibia

Namibia is renowned for its marine diamonds, recovered from the ocean floor.

  • Diamonds are naturally polished by ocean currents
  • Often exceptional in quality and clarity
  • Lower levels of internal inclusions

Namibian diamonds are considered some of the most beautiful natural diamonds in the world.

Australia (Argyle Mine – Now Closed)

Australia’s Argyle Mine, located in Western Australia, was once the source of over 90% of the world’s pink diamonds.

  • Famous for rare pink, red, and champagne diamonds
  • Closed in 2020, making Argyle diamonds finite and increasingly valuable
  • Highly sought after by collectors and investors

Argyle diamonds now represent true rarity – once sold, they cannot be replaced.

How Diamonds Are Mined

Diamonds are extracted using several methods, depending on their geological location:

  • Open-pit mining – Used when deposits are close to the surface
  • Underground mining – For deeper kimberlite pipes
  • Alluvial mining – Diamonds recovered from riverbeds
  • Marine mining – Diamonds extracted from the seabed (Namibia)

Each method affects the diamond’s journey, but not its intrinsic quality.

Open-pit diamond mine with terraced excavation levels, showing where natural diamonds are mined and extracted from the earth.

Ethics, Certification, and Transparency

Today, most natural diamonds are traded under the Kimberley Process, which aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market.

However, certification alone doesn’t tell the full story.

That’s why responsible jewellers go further – carefully selecting suppliers, inspecting diamonds in-house, and prioritising transparency at every stage.

Why Diamond Origin Matters

Knowing where a diamond is mined matters because it informs:

  • Ethical considerations
  • Environmental impact
  • Rarity and long-term value
  • Historical and cultural significance

Two diamonds may look identical, yet their origins can make them worlds apart.

A Jeweller’s Perspective

As jewellers, we believe a diamond should be chosen with intention – not just for its sparkle, but for its story, integrity, and longevity.

Every diamond deserves to be inspected by experienced hands, assessed beyond the certificate, and matched thoughtfully to the piece it will become part of.

Because a diamond isn’t just a stone.
It’s a piece of the earth’s history – shaped by nature, refined by expertise, and worn for generations.