Russia holds the world’s largest diamond reserves by a significant margin, accounting for 750 million carats, or 44.1% of global reserves.
According to the US Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries, global diamond reserves are estimated at 1.7 billion carats, with Russia alone holding almost half of the total.
The country sits well ahead of Botswana, which holds 250 million carats, or 14.7% of the global total.
A further 250 million carats is held across other countries, while Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) each account for 150 million carats, representing 8.8% of global reserves apiece.
South Africa holds 87 million carats, or 5.1% of world reserves, while Zimbabwe rounds out the listed countries with 56 million carats, equivalent to 3.3%.
Supply remains concentrated
The data highlights the concentration of diamond reserves across a small group of countries, with Russia and Botswana together holding close to 59% of the global total.
Africa remains central to the global diamond industry, with Botswana, Angola, DRC, South Africa, and Zimbabwe collectively accounting for more than 40% of known reserves.
Diamond reserves represent the portion of a mineral resource that can be realistically and economically mined, making them an important indicator of long-term supply potential.
Africa anchors future supply
While Russia leads by volume, Botswana remains one of the world’s most important diamond jurisdictions due to its established mining sector and long history of diamond production.
Angola and DRC also remain significant reserve holders, supported by large deposits and ongoing development potential.
As the diamond market continues to balance natural supply with rising competition from laboratory-grown stones, reserve ownership is likely to remain a key measure of long-term influence across the sector.
Write to Bruno Venditti at Mining.com.au
Images: Mining.com.au
