The Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KP CSC) held its annual planning meeting from 20 to 24 January 2025 in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. The 17 organisations from 13 countries, aimed at taking stock of 2024 activities, sharing lessons learned from the various achievements made to improve governance in the diamond mining sector, and set the 2025 objectives.
Advancing diamond governance debates despite the KP stalemate
For the first time in 2024, the Kimberley Process allowed two local community representatives to testify about the impact of diamond mining on their lives during a side event of the KP intersessional meeting in Dubai. While the Coalition saluted this initiative, it also reiterated its concerns about the lack of reform within the Kimberley Process. To counter the stalemate, CSC members organised a number of discussions at the national, regional (as in Central and West Africa), and international levels to continue advancing progressive dialogues on diamond governance reform.
Welcoming two new members and sharing expertise
In Conakry, the CSC welcomed two new members from Tanzania and Angola and took the opportunity to share experiences. Discussion covered the specificities of diamond mining in Angola and the implementation of local content regulations in Tanzania. Members also analyzed the consequences of the lifting of the embargo on Central African diamonds, which had been in place since 2013. The end of sanctions marks a turning point for the country, but requires in-depth work to tackle illicit trade networks and support for the artisanal sector, which has been adversely affected by smuggling.
Bringing lessons from diamond governance to current discussions on critical minerals
As diamond governance echoes many of the challenges similar to those raised by the rush to exploit so-called critical minerals for the energy transition and technological development, the Coalition aims to build bridges across the different minerals. Key discussions held during the planning meeting focused on the complexities of bauxite and lithium exploitation – particularly as Guinea stands as the world’s second largest bauxite producer. As with diamonds, Africa’s diamond-producing countries must prioritize responsible management of natural resources to ensure that the benefits are fairly distributed for the benefit of communities.
An insightful exchange with the international secretariat of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) underscored the vital role of transparency in safeguarding the benefits of the extractive sector and the responsible management of revenues.
Focus on diamond impacted communities
Beyond the responsibility of governments to protect the rights of communities affected by extractive activities, the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition wants to see diamonds become the real instrument of development that they have the potential to be, in order to observe positive and measurable effects on communities. Through monitoring and engagement, CSC member organisations will continue to hold mining companies and public authorities accountable, ensuring they honour their duties and commitments towards communities affected by extractions but also generate socio-economic benefits locally.
A necessary commitment from States and public authorities
By taking part in the opening of the Conakry meeting, the Guinean authorities, the Ministry of Mines and Geology represented by its Secretary General Mr Aboubacar Kourouma, underscored the critical need for close collaboration between civil society organizations and the public authorities. With their mandate of regulatory oversight and law enforcement, public authorities play a decisive role in ensuring good governance within the diamond industry. The Coalition remains committed to constructive engagement with all like-minded actors to prevent, mitigate and remediate risks and harms throughout the diamond supply chain.
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