Sourcing

De Beers Owner Pumping $100M Into Sustainability Projects

SourcingJul 29, 2021

De Beers Owner Pumping $100M Into Sustainability Projects

Anglo American is donating the money to its Anglo American Foundation, which supports projects in countries where it mines.

20210729_De Beers gender parity.png
Anglo American is donating $100 million to its foundation, which supports programs focused on education, health, and the environment in the countries where it operates. For De Beers, some of that money could go toward its “Building Forever” goals, which include achieving gender parity by 2030.
London—Anglo American, the mining conglomerate that owns De Beers, announced Thursday that it is giving $100 million to its foundation to support environmental, health and education programs worldwide.

The Anglo American Foundation supports projects in all the countries where Anglo mines, explores or has joint ventures involving gems and minerals.

The massive donation will help to accelerate the company’s progress toward reaching the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular emphasis on programs that empower women, young people, and vulnerable groups in the countries where Anglo has business.

Projects that could get a boost from the $100 million donation include those focused on the environment, community health, education and skills, livelihoods, and institutional capacity development.

For De Beers specifically, the money would be put toward the company’s “Building Forever” goals, which focus on protecting the environment, leading ethical practices across the jewelry industry, and increasing diversity among its ranks. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Anglo American made the announcement as it reported its half-year financial results Thursday.

The results showed what has been said time and again since the start of the pandemic—consumers are buying diamond jewelry, which means De Beers is mining and selling more rough.

In the first half of the year, production was up 37 percent to 15.4 million carats from 11.3 million carats in the same period in 2020. Compared to 2019, production is essentially flat.

Total first-half revenue approached $3 billion, well ahead of $1.2 billion in the first half of 2020. 

Profitability also returned for De Beers.
                                         
Anglo reported underlying EBITDA of $610 million for De Beers in the first half of the year, compared with just $2 million in the same period last year. 

Overall, the long-term outlook for diamond jewelry demand remains “positive,” Anglo said, while supply is expected to remain flat or shrink. 

“The longer-term transformation of the diamond value chain continues, including a sustained focus on stock level optimization and distribution of polished diamonds and diamond jewelry, increased online purchasing, and greater focus on the provenance and sustainability credentials of companies and their products,” the company said.  


Among De Beers’ growth projects is construction of a new mining vessel for Marine Namibia.

Construction began in 2019 and is on schedule, Anglo American said, with the vessel expected to be in Cape Town, South Africa by the third quarter 2021 for the fitting of the mining and plant equipment. 

Mine life extension projects include the transition from open-pit to underground mining at Venetia in South Africa, which is expected to add an extra 95 million carats and extend the mine’s life to 2045. 

Underground mining at Venetia is expected to commence in 2023. 

There is also the Cut-9 extension at Jwaneng in Botswana, which will extend the life of the mine to 2036 and produce an extra 51 million carats of diamonds. 

First production from the extended cut is expected in 2027. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers in port
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

Jorge Adeler Gods & Heroes coin pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Courtney Leidy Amethyst Silk Cord Pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

NJ Article image.png
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of Relationships

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Silvia Furmanovich Enchapado en Tamo Wooden Wheat Straw Sun Earrings
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Saracen Casino
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino Store

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Kate Spade New York watches
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New York

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

Stock photo of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

Monica Rich Kosann Enchanted Garden Cherry Necklace
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is Fruitful

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

Liljenquist new Rolex boutique McLean Virginia
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New Boutique

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

NY Now exhibitor booth
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New Ownership

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

The Retail Smith Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond Market

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Emerald logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald Acquisition

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

Graff Seraphina Brooch and Lina Pendant
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches Metamorphosize

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones Exempt

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

Vhernier Freccia High Jewelry Necklace
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High Jewelry

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

Krista Collins Walters
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of Instore

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Attendees at the Jewelry Symposium
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 Event

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

HOWL Frida Venetian Glass Collar
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ Campaign

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A diamond ring in a jewelry box
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot Sale

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

Unveiling Rarities
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens Memoir

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Guzema Founder and Creative Director Valeriya Guzema and Co-Owner and CEO Mariana Lenha
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year Anniversary

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

Main camp at Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

Necklace from Vhernier’s “Freccia” high jewelry collection
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a Row

Jewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy