Finestar, an Indian diamond polishing company, recently opened a R300 million (more than US$17 million) plant on September 5 in the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone near OR Tambo International Airport. It was among the first polishers globally to deploy blockchain in this way, sourcing 100% of its rough diamonds directly from mining firms. Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Sierra Leone and Tanzania are the continent’s leading producers. “Cutting and polishing a natural rough diamond costs about US$10 per carat in India, US$17 in China, but more than US$50 in Africa,” according to the African Diamond Manufacturers Association (ADMA). “Enhanced traceability of natural rough diamonds will clearly distinguish them from lab-grown alternatives, ensuring consumers can make informed choices,” said Wellington Mpandi, ADMA’s Vice-President and traceability authority.