In 1954 Russian explorers discovered the first kimberlite pipe in the Sakha region, Siberia. More than 500 additional kimberlites were found during the next two years.
By the 70’ Russia had become the world’s largest diamond producer by VOLUME. The country's production is from conventional open-pit mining operations, owned be the government and operated by a government agency. Production consists primarily of small industrial stones, but about 40% are gem quality. Because of the harsh weather conditions, mining conditions in Russia's Siberian diamond fields are among the toughest found anywhere.
Today, sanctions against Russia cause rough diamond shortages in the market and price increase.
Picture: rough diamonds from Russia