November 2022 | Diamond Pulse

38 | November 2022 | Diamond Pulse | The Diamond and Jewelry Resource Book Mailed to 23,000 Jewelers Monthly - To advertise call (888) 832-1109 | November 2022 | 39 iamonds. Who’s greener: Mined or man-made? This article critiques current diamond greenhouse gas emissions data and an attempt at energy usage evaluation of diamond mining and lab- grown production. The goal was to compare ecological impact comparisons for the diamond industry at large. Energy usage and emissions in mined versus lab diamonds has been evaluated by several established groups, universities and organizations. Yet, no current report may claim a non-bias, peer-reviewed, scientifically proven conclusion. It’s simply impossible to do so at present since there’s too many facets of comparison to contend with. In short, it will take years of independent, cross- comparative study to audit which “side” leaves less of a carbon footprint: Diamond mining operations or lab- grown diamonds (LGD) production. Here’s why… While mining operations are literally breaking ground in reducing their carbon output with modern equipment and enhanced protocol, these changes remain are influx and are throughout the mine to market process. LGD producers can’t be lumped into one category either. Beyond the differences in sourcing to electrical usage in HPHT vs CVD output, a few (two to be precise) LGD companies have legally proven to have eliminated all fossil fuel usage in their patented CVD- style production (Aether and Sky Diamonds). Others, like WD Diamond, have used third parties to certify their production as “100% climate neutral.” The variables from mining to man-made are complicated. Determining industry averages are not a logical nor accessible means of calculation. One must measure every process independently, comparatively, and, especially in diamond mining, we must factor in a location and the type of mining. Location, location, location The Diavik mine in northern Canada reported fuel use at 11.5 pounds per carat, based on its harsh climatic conditions. Diavik must produce its own onsite electricity from diesel fuel, due to its distance from the usual power sources. This isn’t the case for similar sized mines in Africa, thus proving a “standardized” fuel-to-final-product-ratio is impossible - the spread is just too wide. A calculation of averages isn’t fair to offer as one diamond mine would gain favor from another’s lose due to location alone. Flipside: A CVD style of LGD production of white diamonds may use about 28 kilowatt- hours (kWh) per carat for a 2-week or less diamond production. Yet, blue or yellow diamond growth is much faster - about a week to grow into the desired size. In contrast, a diamond mine may range from 7.5 kWh per carat, while another requires 66.3 kWh per carat. And that’s just land-related mines. Marine diamond mining is an entirely new set of energy numbers presently unpublished. Concerns with earlier studies With diamond mining, some think greenhouse gas emissions should be compared (as a point of usage reference) to another similar source in the same region. These folks cite another form of mining in the same country to compare and try and gauge gold mining and diamond mining emissions to try and set a standard. This is certainly not a fair benchmarking means as the mining process of precious metals and diamonds may look similar from a distance but are worlds apart when it comes to anti-carbon output. And, since the use of gem-quality diamonds is inextricably linked to jewelry consumption, an impact assessment needs to be factored in. The same is true for LGD production. When calculating energy metrics of the “average LGD producer” the process must first be defined - CVD or HPHT. Either process must add-in an accurate metric of raw materials needed to grow a diamond from a “seed” and how that seed came to be. For proprietary reasons, the material details initially used (or added) in LGD growth aren’t publicly available and if they are, they are often written in the most desirable of means from the publisher. In the HPHT processes, various forms of transition metal catalysts may be required to make the process efficient. If abundant metals such as iron or copper are used, then the ecological impact will be less prominent since they would be mined for other uses as well. If rare earth metals, which don’t have as many other uses (and where economies of scale would develop as LGDs become more popular) then the mining impact of those inData.org, carbon- free hauling trucks are being introduced, and newly deployed energy saving mining machinery is part of the ever changing mining profile. In the LGD process (from a large-scale commercial perspective) the equipment is too new to evaluate durability. Again, there are too many factors at play. Slice of the pie Curiously, diamond mining seems to be constantly omitted, or, perhaps lumped into an “other category” when global carbon reduction analytics and the firms specializing in such step in. Take a look at the detailed 2020 pie chart from OurWorldinData.org Notice diamond mining (or any form of mining) appears to be absent from their 2020 study. Is the diamond mining industry expected to fall under a 7.8% “unallocated fuel combustion” ratio, and if so, to what percent? Or, are we to think we are included in the 10.6% of “other,” and if so, Me r l i n (replacing Argyle ) Looking beyond Russia’s Alrosa mine, the top five natural diamond regions and mines are working towards a zero carbon footprint. Graphic: Luxe Licensing for Diamond Pulse Get your free report: 2022 Mining in Africa Country Investment Guide (MACIG) The 65 page report includes: >Lynette Armstrong, Acting Managing Director, Debswana “Diamonds Regaining Their Sparkle” >Insights “From the Ground” on the entire South African Mining Industry Health & Sustenance >Monetization Mechanisms and Risk INSTANT COMPLIMENTARY DOWNLOAD: TINYURL.COM/DiamondPulseFreeReport Your free report on mining in Africa is yours with no strings attached. Visit: tinyurl.com/DiamondPulseFreeReport Diamond Pulse does not endorse nor benefit from any download of this report. The complimentary research is offered by the author of this story. At 303.10 carats, the Golden Canary Diamond, is one of five of the largest polished diamonds and the largest internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Recut from its original shield form, the color is deeper, the hue is brighter, and the profile is more classic. NYC’s Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction on December 7, has estimated it will sell for $15 million, and offered without reserve, with bidding starting at only $1. Photo: Cedric Riberio Can you find any diamond reference or even a mining category? Chart: OurWorldinData.org Notice diamond mining (or any form f mining) appears absent