De Beers Group reveal plans for carbon-neutral diamond mining

Carbon-neutral: De Beers Group announced the plans surrounding mines in Canada and South Africa
REUTERS
Fiona Simpson4 May 2017

De Beers, the world’s largest diamond producer, has revealed plans to introduce carbon-neutral mining within five years.

The company’s scientists announced plans on Thursday to improve mines in South Africa and Canada within five to 10 years.

The changes could see emissions slashed by up to 10 times that of a typical mine.

Researchers are looking into ways of storing large volumes of carbon through the mineralisation of kimberlite “tailings” – the material that remains once diamonds have been removed.

De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver said: “By replicating this technology at other mining operations around the world, this project could play a major role in changing the way not only the diamond industry, but also the broader mining industry, addresses the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint.

“We have the real potential to leave a positive, long-lasting legacy for the global mining industry.”

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