Who mined blood diamonds?

In 2008, the Zimbabwean army seized the valuable Marange diamond deposit in eastern Zimbabwe, massacring more than 200 diamond miners who stood in the way. Soldiers then enslaved local adults and children in the diamond fields, beating and torturing those who disobeyed.

Are blood diamonds mined by slaves?

Many workers are actually slaves, taken for the purpose of harvesting blood diamonds. Those who came to work willingly are underpaid, mistreated, abused and working under backbreaking conditions.

What countries mine blood diamonds?

Diamonds have funded brutal wars in countries such as Angola, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, resulting in the death and displacement of millions of people. There is a reason they are dubbed 'Blood Diamonds'.

Who found blood diamonds?

In 1930, a British geologist discovered diamonds in the region. The gems became one of the greatest sources of Sierra Leone's future conflict, earning them the name “Blood Diamonds.” British companies and other foreign merchants quickly seized control of diamond mines to profit from the newfound market.

Are blood diamonds still being mined?

In the last decade, blood diamonds have been virtually eliminated from the global marketplace. Stricter regulation, as well as a renewed commitment from diamond manufacturers and retailers to work only with ethical suppliers, has transformed the global diamond industry for the better.

Blood Diamonds and Religious War In The Central African Republic

Does Tiffany use blood diamonds?

Tiffany & Co. only offers conflict-free diamonds. We have taken rigorous steps to assure that conflict diamonds do not enter our inventory. As global leaders in sustainable luxury, Tiffany & Co. is committed to sourcing natural and precious materials in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Does Cartier use blood diamonds?

Tiffany & Co. and Cartier are just the two most recent jewelers to publicly boycott blood diamonds from Zimbabwe.

Does Sierra Leone still mine diamonds?

Diamonds are found in about a quarter of Sierra Leone in the south-east and east of the country, with the diamond fields cover 7,700 square miles. The main production areas are concentrated around the drainage areas of rivers in the Kono, Kenema and Bo Districts.

What is the history of blood diamonds?

The very specific UN definition of blood diamonds was formulated during the 1990s, when brutal civil wars were being waged in parts of western and central Africa by rebel groups based in diamond-rich areas of their countries.

What is Sierra Leone known for?

Sierra Leone Is Infamous For Blood Diamonds

Sierra Leone is also known around the world for its blood diamonds (also commonly referred to as conflict or war diamonds) which were mined and sold for weapons during the country's violent civil war from 1991 to 2002.

Are blood diamonds sold in the US?

Why? Countries around the world go to great lengths to ensure that blood diamonds are not sold. Many countries, including the U.S., closely monitor diamonds from the time that they are mined until they end up in a retailer's inventory to make sure that the diamond is not being sold to fund war or terrorism.

Who is used as slaves to extract diamonds?

Apart from the innocent people caught up in the conflicts that the trade fuels, thousands of men, women and children in countries such as Sierra Leone are used as slaves to extract diamonds.

Why does Africa have so many diamonds?

Diamonds in Africa were formed somewhere between 600 million and 3 billion years ago when titanic-force pressure and heat caused carbon 1,200 miles (1,931 km) below the Earth's surface to crystallize. As recently as a million years ago, erupting molten rock brought the diamonds closer to the Earth's surface.

Are all diamonds from Africa blood diamonds?

All diamonds are conflict diamonds. The brutal Western imperial proxy wars in West Africa over diamond mines have been horrific. These wars, however, are only another chapter in the last hundred years of colonial terror as it has been represented by the diamond trade, controlled by the DeBeers cartel.

Why do they cut off hands in blood diamond?

Seizing the right arms of their chosen victims, the young pair bring their blades crashing down, severing hands as a warning to the whole village not to challenge their authority. Such horrifying scenes were once common during Sierra Leone's 11-year civil war.

Are all diamonds from Africa?

ALL DIAMONDS ARE SOURCED FROM A FEW PLACES:

Countries in Africa producing the most diamonds are Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and South Africa. Russia – Pro-government Russian companies are given the right to mine diamonds throughout Russia.

How much is a 1 carat blood diamond worth?

Unfortunately, the big pay off artisanal miners are looking for is a fraction of the value of the diamonds they find. A 1.0ct diamond will only get the miner about 100 dollars.

What country in Africa is most popular for blood diamonds?

Democratic Republic of Congo

Unfortunately, corruption, political turmoil and genocide have cost Congo its wealth, with the diamonds mined here often called “conflict diamonds” or “blood diamonds”. Most of the mines are situated deep within rebel lands, where owners often disregard human rights and labour laws.

Is Blood Diamond true story?

Though Blood Diamond revolves around fictional characters, the events are based on real experiences of individuals in Sierra Leone during the civil war. The film depicts village attacks by rebel groups, the enslavement of Sierra Leoneans, the use of child soldiers, and illicit markets that are often ignored.

Does Ethiopia have diamonds?

Ethiopia also boasts gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires; industrial minerals including potash; and other precious and base metals.

Are pink diamonds blood diamonds?

Blood Diamonds. There are many different places to find the natural, Blood Diamonds. Mainly in Southern Africa. The rare also known as pink Blood Diamond can be mostlyfound in Sierra Leone.

Does Pandora use blood diamonds?

Pandora, world's largest jewelry marker, will no longer use mined diamonds. For Pandora, laboratory-made diamonds are forever. The world's largest jewelry maker announced Tuesday that it will no longer use mined diamonds — a decision, it said, that stemmed partially from consumer demand.

Is the Kimberley Process working?

The Kimberley Process has done a great job in bringing down the crime rates and lowering the amount of money and supplies that rebel groups in Angola and Sierra Leone are receiving. But the values and morals that the Kimberley Process stands for have shifted over time.

What jewelry companies sell blood diamonds?