Top 10 Countries with the Most Diamonds Found

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A diamond, without doubt, is the most coveted precious stone. High-grade diamonds are rare. Therefore, to own and to don a diamond-studded jewelry means that the one wearing it is a person of high stature in society. Socialites and celebrities flaunt their pieces of jewelry during important gatherings or events.

Each piece of diamond has a compelling story behind it. Diamonds are the hardest of all the precious stones unearthed. A diamond becomes highly expensive after undergoing polishing and design.

Those who are in the diamond mining industries would find ways to unearth these stones, even putting the lives of many at risk. Central and southern African countries are historically known to be the world’s major suppliers of diamonds. However, with the discovery of diamond reserves in other countries, it is proven that Africa is not the only continent to host diamond-producing countries. Furthermore, it no longer holds the top most country where the most diamonds are found.

There are several controversies and social issues related to the mining of diamonds. Regimes raise money to wage war or oppress their people because of diamonds, thus the diamond mining industry in Africa triggers conflict and civil wars, making the trade undesirable. This sparks global concern because of the bloody violence occurring amongst the people in African countries where diamonds are found. The Leonardo DiCaprio film Blood Diamond depicts the harshness of the mining industry. Countries outside of Africa, like Russia and Canada, are spearheading the development of stricter government policies on the diamond mining corporations in their respective countries.

Here are the top 10 countries where most diamonds are found.

10. Brazil

The South American country of Brazil lands the 10th place. The country is not only known for its many colorful festivals, coffee beans, and lively beaches. One of Brazil’s natural resource exports is tin ore. Also, Brazil may be the least player amongst other diamond-producing countries, nevertheless, it makes 0.5% of the world’s diamonds showing its significance in the global mining industry. It takes pride that it is one of the countries in the world where the most diamonds are found.

9. Ghana

Standing at 9th place in diamond production is the country of Ghana, located in Africa. The economy of this country is buoyed by its rich and diverse industrial minerals, petroleum, and natural gas. It is also one of the world’s largest exporters of cocoa. Ghana is considered among the top producers of diamonds in the world. In fact, its exportation of diamond, along with gold, is one of the country’s major sources of revenues.

8. Namibia

Another African country, Namibia, takes the 8th place in the list. This country has a widely known geographical feature known as the Kalahari Dessert. Its largest economic sector include mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. It is widely known that plenty of diamonds can be found here. In fact, Namibia greatly depends on its mineral and diamond production. It contributes about 1.3% of the world’s diamond supply which amounts to around $0.41 billion.

7. Angola

Earning the 7th spot on the list is Angola. It is known for its vast wildlife and natural resources. This country’s economy suffered greatly during the Angolan Civil War but it began to recover in 2002. Angola is rich in subsoil heritage where its diamond reserves are found. This African country gets most of its revenues in diamond and oil production which generates 60% of Angola’s income.

6. Canada

It may seem surprising to many but Canada stands in 6th place, breaking the streak of the African countries. It has a mixed economy and is one of the world’s top trading countries. Canada produces $1.47 billion worth of diamonds in the world and its revenue and economy also depends on the diamond mining industry. Previously, it seems that diamond is rarely found in temperate countries. That claim, however, was proven wrong.

5. South Africa

South Africa takes the 5th spot on the list of the top 10 countries with most diamonds found. This country is one of the most-visited countries in the world because of its many beautiful and breathtaking places. Diamonds are plentiful in this country. The world’s largest diamond was also found in South Africa. Much of its revenue and economy depend on the production of diamonds.

4. Australia

Another country with the most diamonds found is Australia. It is one the wealthiest countries in the world thanks to its export industry, which consists of agricultural products, specifically wool and wheat, minerals, and energy. It is internationally recognized as one of the countries rich in natural resources like coal, iron ore, gold and, of course, diamond. Australia provides 13% of diamonds in the world market.

3. The Democratic Republic of Congo

Standing 3rd on the top 10 list is the Democratic Republic of Congo. The people in this country are one of the poorest in the world. However, this country is highly rich in natural resources and among these are diamonds. The Democratic Republic of Congo may be small in size, but it has plenty of diamond reserves and contributes 19% of the world’s diamond production. The country relies heavily on mining, which sometimes triggers massive conflict in the country.

2. Botswana

Next to Congo, the country with the most diamonds found is Botswana. The country’s largest diamond mining company is 50% owned by the government. The mining industry provides 40% of the country’s revenue and accounts for 20% of the global diamond supply.

1. Russia

Finally, 1st place goes to a non-African country, Russia. This revelation may take most people by surprise, since African countries have been dominating the top spots for quite a long time. The country is highly rich in natural resources because of its geographical location and its petroleum industry is one of the biggest in the world. Its economy likewise improved due to its diamond mining industry, apart from the Russia’s oil and gas exports. Russia contributes about 22% of the world’s diamond supply.