Mining giant De Beers has raised its rough prices at its first sale of the year in “one of its most aggressive diamond price increases in recent years,” Mining Weekly, quoting “people familiar with the situation,” reports.
The price at De Beer’s sale in Botswana, the miner’s first sale of the year, is said to have been raised by about 8%. Larger stones rose by about 5%, while some smaller rough saw “price hikes of as much as 20%.”
In other De Beers news, the miner has announced that Stephen Lussier, De Beers Group Executive Vice President for Brands & Consumer Markets, will step down in April after 37 years with the company. Lussier will be replaced by Marc Jacheet, most recently President of Tiffany & Co. Europe, Middle East and Africa. According to De Beers, Lussier will continue to serve as Chairman of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
