Scientists Proved Natural Diamonds Carbon-Neutral

MUMBAI  : The results of respective research were first presented at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The round table dedicated to the impact of responsible consumption on the development of the international diamond market, where the statement on the complete carbon neutrality of Russian diamonds was made, was attended by high-ranking representatives of the global diamond industry, experts in the field of sustainable development and premium consumption. Participants noted the leading trend towards responsible consumption in the luxury sector against the backdrop of stable growth in global demand for luxury goods, which increases by $100 billion every 10 years. (Video link)

For example, according to Bain & Company (Luxury Study 2023), the personal luxury products market positioning itself as a sustainable market (with clear environmental and social commitments), is growing by 20–30% per year, significantly outpacing the overall luxury market (~8–10% in 2023), while according to Deloitte Global, luxury buyers are willing to pay up to 27% more for sustainable products.

At the round table, Pavel Marinychev, CEO of the world’s largest diamond mining company ALROSA, presented the results of the research conducted over three years by specialists from the ALROSA Innovation and Technology Center in co-operation with scientists from the Lomonosov Moscow State University and several research centers. The research proved the ability of diamond-bearing ore from ALROSA deposits in Yakutia and the Arkhangelsk region to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the company’s production activities. The conducted theoretical, field and laboratory analysis also made it possible to estimate the actual volume of carbon dioxide absorbed during the extraction and processing of kimberlite rock.

Thus, the annual volume of carbon dioxide absorption by kimberlite from ALROSA deposits is about 1 million tons of CO₂-eq which is comparable to the volume of greenhouse gas absorption by 400,000 hectares of forest per year. At the same time, the key to effective absorption is the technological cycle of production, processing and further storage of processed ore in Russia, which significantly accelerates the process of carbonization, i.e. the accumulation of carbon dioxide by kimberlite and the transformation of its constituent minerals into natural carbonates. The research showed that CO₂ absorption by kimberlite has no reverse effect: carbon is naturally “locked” in a stable form that prevents it from reentering the atmosphere.

The results of this research formed a basis for the carbon footprint analysis of ALROSA products—natural diamonds.  Following the results of this work, ALROSA received an internationally recognized verification certificate confirming the carbon neutrality of diamonds and their negative carbon footprint, which in 2024 amounted to a “negative” 0.71 kg CO₂-eq per 1 carat. Taking into consideration that ALROSA’s production volume accounts for some 30% of the global diamond mining, experts are convinced this will increase natural diamonds’ attractiveness around the world.

As noted by Pavel Marinychev, ALROSA became the world’s first mining company to have its products officially recognized as carbon neutral in full annual production volume, not only thanks to the proven ability of diamond-bearing rock to capture and bind CO2, but also thanks to the Company’s systematic efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use its own renewable energy. Pavel Marinychev also stressed that, unlike the practices of other companies that declare their carbon neutrality, ALROSA does not use compensating mechanisms for this purpose, in particular, the purchase of “green certificates”.

“This is a landmark event for the industry—a comprehensive research by scientists has objectively confirmed the ability of kimberlite to absorb carbon on such a scale for the first time in the world,” ALROSA CEO emphasized. “This is another significant advantage for buyers of diamond jewelry, who are increasingly striving for conscious consumption and are ready to invest in ethical and environmentally friendly choices. And for jewelry companies that use diamonds with a neutral carbon footprint, this is a serious competitive market advantage, which is almost impossible to repeat for their competitors, substitute products.”

In their speeches, the participants of the Round Table noted the importance of the scientific discovery and confirmation of the products’ carbon neutrality received by ALROSA for the global diamond market and the entire luxury industry.

Lin Qiang, president, Shanghai Diamond Exchange:

— The recognition of ALROSA diamonds which account for one-third of the world’s production as carbon-neutral will surely become a powerful argument in favor of choosing natural diamonds. This development will make natural diamond jewelry even more appealing to consumers, especially younger generations. The Shanghai Diamond Exchange will take an active role in raising awareness among Chinese consumers about this breakthrough.

I see great potential in this discovery for the world diamond industry: it is important that other companies shall also aim to achieve carbon neutrality. Of course, not every company has access to the same technology that ALROSA does. But there are alternative ways to reduce the carbon footprint—through climate projects, carbon credit purchases, or mutual offset mechanisms via a shared “diamond carbon registry.” Such a system could help companies lower their footprint.

I’d like to congratulate ALROSA on this significant and promising achievement, one that holds great meaning for the entire diamond industry.

Kirit Bhansali, Chair, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC):

— Today’s announcement on carbon neutrality in diamonds marks a potentially meaningful development for the industry. It brings together the cultural value of natural diamonds with growing expectations around sustainability, adding a new layer of relevance to fine jewellery.

In a time where environmental responsibility and conscious consumerism are increasingly shaping buying preferences, such steps towards responsible practices are welcome.

As an industry body, GJEPC acknowledges the importance of this conversation and will continue to engage constructively with stakeholders as these developments evolve.

Nosiphiwo Mzamo, CEO, State Diamond Trader of South Africa:

The findings unveiled by ALROSA today are significant for the entire diamond industry, particularly because lab-grown diamonds—produced at scale outside of diamond-producing countries—are often assumed to be more environmentally friendly. In reality, the production of most of them requires significant energy consumption; and at industrial scale, this energy often comes from “dirty” sources such as coal and oil.

We now see that allegations of natural diamonds harming the climate are unfounded. I believe ALROSA’s findings should be made available to African producers as part of best practice sharing—and should also encourage similar research across the continent.

I would like to remind that South Africa and Russia are members of BRICS, which has established a diamond dialogue platform to promote joint projects for the benefit of the entire industry. International recognition of the carbon neutrality of Russian natural diamonds will no doubt strengthen interest in industry-wide cooperation and trade among BRICS members. This could become a key step toward achieving free trade in diamond and jewelry products within the group, in line with the universal principles of the Kimberley Process.

Igor Korotetsky, a partner at KEPT, a consulting company, and an expert in assessing the ESG strategies and climate agendas of major companies:

— Commitment to sustainability, in particular, efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, is to become an important step for luxury brands in building trust-based relations with conscious consumers. Moreover, it is an opportunity to further draw attention to the problem of climate change, additional positive marketing and environmental awareness.

As the leader of the diamond industry ALROSA determines new industry development vectors not only in Russia, but also at the global level. The company is setting a trend for a decade to come: natural diamonds are no longer only a luxury item, but a symbol of a new time, where luxury is combined with responsible consumption and natural beauty is associated with care for the planet. This is a significant step forward, which demonstrates that commitment to sustainable development can be converted into profit, customer loyalty and leadership in global markets.

Anastasia Poletaeva, an expert, columnist and critic in the field of fashion:

— The fashion industry is still struggling with a ghost of greenwashing—a practice when loud statements about being “green” were not supported by real actions. It is nice to know that it is the Russian company ALROSA that is challenging the industry. It doesn’t play “ecological capsules,” but changes the rules of the game. And that the company’s products are recognized as carbon neutral. I think it’s a reboot of the perception. A natural gem stone with a zero carbon footprint and a multibillion-dollar return for the implementation of climate projects and ensuring sustainable social and economic development of the regions of production—this is the new standard of luxury.

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ALROSA is the largest diamond mining company and the world leader in diamond mining and the scope of proven diamond reserves. It is the only company in the world that covers all stages of diamond production: from geological exploration to the creation of diamonds and jewelry made with them. ALROSA’s main mining assets are located in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Arkhangelsk Region, where the company develops more than 20 diamond deposits. The Group accounts for about 30% of the world and 90% of the Russian diamond mining market. As of the end of 2024, diamond mining amounted to 33 million carats of diamonds. The company’s reserves exceed 1 billion carats of diamonds.

Chief Executive Officer—Pavel Marinychev

TÜV AUSTRIA Standards & Compliance Ltd. is an international auditing company specializing in environmental and climate protection services, including validation and verification of greenhouse gas reporting.