In a landmark development for the global diamond industry, Russian miner ALROSA has announced that its natural diamonds are now certified carbon neutral, backed by three years of scientific research. The announcement was made during a high-level roundtable at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, focusing on the impact of responsible consumption on the international diamond market.

The study—carried out by ALROSA’s Innovation and Technology Center in collaboration with Lomonosov Moscow State University—found that kimberlite rock from ALROSA’s Yakutia and Arkhangelsk deposits actively absorbs carbon dioxide during the diamond extraction process. Research concluded that the company’s mining operations capture roughly 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the absorption capacity of 400,000 hectares of forest.

Importantly, the findings were verified by TÜV AUSTRIA, with ALROSA’s 2024 production achieving a negative carbon footprint of –0.71 kg CO₂-eq per carat. ALROSA is now the first mining company globally to receive full-year carbon neutrality certification for its entire natural diamond output—without relying on compensating mechanisms such as carbon offsets or “green certificates”.

The company noted that 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.

“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 emphasised. “This is another significant advantage for buyers of diamond jewellery, who are increasingly striving for conscious consumption and are ready to invest in ethical and environmentally friendly choices. And for jewellery 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.”

The forum brought together international voices who welcomed the announcement. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “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.”

Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, said ALROSA’s certification would resonate strongly with younger, eco-conscious consumers. He suggested the creation of a shared “diamond carbon registry” to support similar efforts across the sector.

Nosiphiwo Mzamo, CEO of South Africa’s State Diamond Trader, called for broader dissemination of ALROSA’s research among African producers, countering the perception that lab-grown diamonds are automatically greener.

“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 jewellery products within the group, in line with the universal principles of the Kimberley Process,” Mzamo added.

Experts stressed that ALROSA’s approach signals a broader shift in the luxury industry. Igor Korotetsky, ESG Consultant and Partner at KEPT, said, “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.”

Fashion industry analyst Anastasia Poletaeva hailed the move as a major reset in consumer perception: “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 recognised as carbon neutral. I think it’s a reboot of the perception. A natural gemstone 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.”