Categorie: Tutti - history - mining - conflict

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Blood Diamonds 2

The story of De Beers is marked by significant milestones in the diamond industry, starting with the discovery of the Kimberley mine in 1871, which became the richest mine for a century.

Blood Diamonds 2

Blood Diamonds

Other countries & Industries

Iron ore/Other Minerals
In 2014 Sierra Leone exported: 65% in Iron Ore 11% in Tin Ores 3.6% in Titanium Ore 2.3 in Aluminum Ore 0.62% in other minerals (Niobium,Tantalum, Vanadium, and Zirconium One) 8.2% in Diamonds
Agriculture
Oil and Petroleum Refining
In 2014 itself, 32% of Sierra Leone's main imports have been refined petroleum, with only rice being at 4.4%.

What can be done ?

Blood Diamond Movie
Kimberly Process
How does it work?

The Kimberly Process works in such that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme acts as an additional requirement of diamonds being imported or exported from countries. This scheme ensures that the diamonds are not the result of conflicts and that the global market is blocked from 'conflict diamonds'

What is it?

The Kimberly Process is a initiative to end the trade of "conflict diamonds" in South Africa. This is to ensure that all diamond purchases are not fueled by rebel processes and government intervention.

Diamonds & the Public

The World Diamond Council
The WDC has established the System of Warranties which further extends the effect of The Kimberly Process in the diamond trade. WDC assists the Kimberly Process financially and technically to ensure the best results possible. WDC is highly regarded as the communication center regarding the voluntary and regulatory systems to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
The primary objective of the World Diamond Council or the WDC, is to develop and implement regulatory and voluntary systems to control the diamond trade by the United Nations and the Kimberly Process.

Atrocities

Rape
Murder and Amputation
Slavery
Child Soldiers

Debeers & the Diamond Trade

Conflict Diamond Scandal
History
Founding Chairman of De Beers: Cecil Rhodes

Important Dates in De Beers History 1871: De Beers and Kimberly mine is found and will soon become the richest mine for an entire century 1888: De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited is established on March 12. Cecil Rhodes is named as the founding chairman 1905: The Cullinan Diamond is found at 3106.75 carats, making it the largest diamond ever found 1928: Diamond cutting comes to South Africa 1932: The Great Depression causes De Beers to close down all of their mines 1947: Frances Gerety writes the famous slogan "A diamond is forever" 1967: The Orapa Kimberlite Pipe is discovered, making it the second largest pipe in the world covering 262 acres at the surface 1969: De Beers partners with the Government of the Republic of Botswana, in establishing Debswana, to begin the development of the Orapa Mine 1972: The Jwaneng Kimberlite Pipe is discovered and soon becomes the richest diamond mine, bringing in a total of 11 million carats a year. 1992: Veneta Mine is discovered in South Africa 1994: De Beers creates a joint venture with the Republic of Namibia to mine diamonds in their country. 2012: De Beers becomes a member of the Anglo American PLC Group

Jwaeneng Kimberlite Pipe

Republic of Nambia

Cullinan Diamond

History of Sierra Leone

Freetown Colony (1792-1800)
Province of Freedom (17871789)
Mane Invasions (16th century)
A mid 16th century conquest by the Mane people. The Mane are a warrior-like people that are highly organized and well-armed. The conquest lasted for 15-20 years and resulted in the subjugation of thousands of indigenous people, a halt in Sierra Leone's economy, the loss of political autonomy, and the increase of slave trade to Europeans.
Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002)
The Sierra Leone Civil War lasted from 1991-2002. It began on March 23rd 1991 by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) with the support of Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) in attempts to overthrow the Joseph Momoh government.

Causes of the War

Diamonds and the 'Resource Curse'

The Kono and Kenema districts of Eastern and Southern Leone are rich in alluvial diamonds which are easily accessible through excavation and transport. Since their rise in the 1930s they have become a highly sought after commodity and has been used to counteract the poor economic and government infrastructure left behind the last prime ministers. The National Diamond Mining Corporation or (DIMCO) was a joint venture between De Beers and the government. The joint venture however, was made to benefit solely the government and the high ranking business elites. Eventually De Beers pulled out of the joint venture in 1984, which left the government losing control of all their diamond mines soon after. By the mid to late 80,s all diamond trade became a commodity that was being smuggled and traded illicitly by private investors.

RUF and Diamonds

The discovery of diamonds became a highly sought after commodity by not only Sierra Leone, but also the RUF. Diamonds helped purchase arms and equipment from neighboring countries like Guinea and Liberia. Due to how easily diamonds were accessed in places like, Kono violence was used to maintain control of these places and ensure that they were in control of the diamond commodity.

Political History

Sierra Leone gained their independence their independence in 1961 from the United Kingdom. After the death of Sierra Leone's first Prime Minister, Sir Milton Margai in 1964, the political party became corrupted mismanaged, due to electoral violence, led to a weaker civil society and the fall of the educational system.

Joseph Momoh

Siaka Stevens

Albert Margai