SourcingFeb 08, 2021
Rio Tinto Apologizes to Australian Aboriginals, Again Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2021
Petra Reaches $6M Settlement Amid Claims of Human Rights Abuses
A report by a nonprofit documented an alleged seven deaths and 41 assaults on artisanal miners at the Williamson mine in Tanzania.
Workers at the Biogas Project at the Williamson Mine in Tanzania. Majority owner Petra Diamonds reached a $6 million settlement following claims of human rights violations at the mine, but has not admitted liability. (Image courtesy of Petra Diamonds)
London—Petra Diamonds Ltd. has reached a $6 million settlement following claims of human rights abuses at its Williamson mine in Tanzania.
The mine, operated by Petra subsidiary Williamson Diamonds Ltd., is 25 percent owned by the government of Tanzania and 75 percent owned by Petra.
A report released in November 2020 by U.K.-based nonprofit Rights and Accountability in Development documented an alleged seven deaths and 41 assaults on artisanal miners, who were said to be trespassing on the site, by security contractors and security employees of Williamson Diamonds.
The report tallied alleged incidents that had occurred since Petra acquired the mine in 2009.
In response, Petra said it was investigating the claims and had appointed an external consultancy to assess whether WDL’s security was in line with the “Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.”
After completing its investigation, the mining company said it “acknowledges that past incidents have taken place that regrettably resulted in the loss of life, injury and the mistreatment of illegal diggers, within the WDL Special Mining License area.”
Petra said these incidents involved its subsidiary’s third-party security provider, Zenith Security, and the Tanzanian police force.
“During the investigation, no evidence emerged that WDL personnel were directly involved in these actions,” said Petra.
Related stories will be right here …
The mine, operated by Petra subsidiary Williamson Diamonds Ltd., is 25 percent owned by the government of Tanzania and 75 percent owned by Petra.
A report released in November 2020 by U.K.-based nonprofit Rights and Accountability in Development documented an alleged seven deaths and 41 assaults on artisanal miners, who were said to be trespassing on the site, by security contractors and security employees of Williamson Diamonds.
The report tallied alleged incidents that had occurred since Petra acquired the mine in 2009.
In response, Petra said it was investigating the claims and had appointed an external consultancy to assess whether WDL’s security was in line with the “Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.”
After completing its investigation, the mining company said it “acknowledges that past incidents have taken place that regrettably resulted in the loss of life, injury and the mistreatment of illegal diggers, within the WDL Special Mining License area.”
Petra said these incidents involved its subsidiary’s third-party security provider, Zenith Security, and the Tanzanian police force.
“During the investigation, no evidence emerged that WDL personnel were directly involved in these actions,” said Petra.
Though Petra reached a settlement with the claimants, the miner did so on “a no-admission-of-liability basis.”
U.K.-based law firm Leigh Day represented the 71 anonymous claimants and will distribute the funds, according to a release by Petra Diamonds about the settlement.
The funds will cover the claimants’ legal fees and be invested into long-term support programs for mining communities.
Leigh Day is the same law firm that sued Gemfields over claims of human rights abuses at its ruby mine in Mozambique in 2019. Gemfields paid $7.6 million to settle that claim, also on a no-admission-of-liability basis.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its annual study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
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.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
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.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
