The diamond resources of Côte d'Ivoire are estimated at 11 million carats and are located in Bobi (Central West) and Tortiya (North).
Diamond production resumed in 2015 with a production of 9,249 carats, following the lifting in 2014 of the United Nations embargo on Ivorian diamond exports. This production increased in 2016, reaching 16,292 carats. It then fell to 7,361 carats in 2017 and settled at 2,367.63 carats in 2023. The downward trend in diamond production can be explained by the limitations of artisanal mining and the depletion of reserves that can be exploited using this method.
Diamond Production and Export
|
Indicators |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Diamond Production (Carats) |
9,249 |
16,292 |
7,361 |
5,678 |
3,989 |
4,012 |
4,121.89 |
3,968.88 |
2,367.63 |
|
Diamond Production (millions FCFA) |
1,200 |
2,100 |
1,100 |
766.363 |
596.892 |
121.104 |
385.393 |
386.887 |
176.701 |
|
Diamond Exports (carats) |
13,937 |
21,724 |
11,156.8 |
5,290.50 |
3,888.72 |
1,872.45 |
5,093.93 |
5,340 |
2,373.95 |
|
Diamond Exports (millions FCFA) |
1,790 |
2,790 |
1,100 |
790.82 |
596.89 |
121.104 |
385.393 |
386.887 |
173.665 |
Source : Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, General Directorate of Mines and Geology (DGMG)
Evolution of Diamond Production
Source : Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, General Directorate of Mines and Geology (DGMG)
The outlook is favorable. Indeed, the signing in September 2023 of the decree for semi-industrial mining of diamond-bearing dikes under the exploration permits held by SODEMI heralds a resurgence in the exploitation of rough diamonds in the coming years. Thus, diamond production is expected to range between 3,500 and 7,000 carats during the period 2024-2026 and reach 10,000 carats in 2027.