Mbuji-Mayi, Kasai-Oriental Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
How is it produced?
Diamonds from Mbuji-Mayi are primarily extracted through artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), often using hand tools under dangerous and unregulated conditions. Child labour and exploitative practices are common, with little government oversight or environmental protection.
Describe the supply chain to the store shelf in Canada:
After extraction, diamonds typically pass through informal traders and local brokers before entering regional markets in Kinshasa or being smuggled to neighbouring countries. From there, they are exported—often relabelled as “conflict-free”, to international cutting centres in India or Belgium before reaching global retailers. Canadian stores may source these diamonds through intermediaries claiming ethical sourcing, but traceability is weak.
What is the power balance between the producer and seller?
The power imbalance is severe. Artisanal miners in Mbuji-Mayi work in precarious conditions for subsistence wages, while profits concentrate in the hands of exporters, corporate intermediaries, and luxury retailers in the Global North. Sellers have market access, brand control, and legal protection; producers face systemic vulnerability and exploitation.
Can you recommend changes to the system to improve the balance?
Strengthening state oversight, enforcing fair labour standards, and investing in local beneficiation in cutting/polishing could help redistribute value. Mandatory due diligence laws for Canadian diamond importers and stronger enforcement of the Kimberley Process, with third-party audits could also improve transparency and accountability.
References/Resources:
Stiglitz, J. (2017). Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited
Grant & Keohane (2005)
Smillie, I. (2010). Blood on the Stone: Greed, Corruption and War in the Global Diamond Trade
Kimberley Process (www.kimberleyprocess.com)