A delegation from the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), spearheaded by governor Cathy Berx, travelled to Montreal, Toronto and Yellowknife in Canada, recently, in order to strengthen ties with the mining companies based there.

“Canada is the third largest diamond producer in the world and one of the most important suppliers of rough diamonds to Antwerp,” the AWDC explained in a statement.

Further, the AWDC said that during its meetings with Stornoway --  the first miner to exploit a mining area in Quebec -- it had received “strong indications” that the company  is considering selling  its entire production from the Renard mine through Antwerp.

“The Renard mine is expected to yield 1.6 million carats of diamonds annually, with a value of 304 million USD, with production estimated to hit the market as of the second half of 2017,” the AWDC said. “If the Renard production is marketed in Antwerp, the share of rough diamonds from Canada on the Antwerp market could increase by 64%.”

AWDC reiterated that Antwerp and Canada have, through the years,   “maintained a close relationship because of the quality demands that both implement with regard to transparency, ethical values and observance of national and international standards”.

 Ari Epstein, CEO of the AWDC commented about developments in Canada saying: “A number of legislative changes have ensured that the regional and local authorities, such as the Northwest Territories, have obtained wider competencies as concerns the mining industry. This mission was important for Antwerp as a diamond centre because of these new political arrangements. The new political leaders confirmed and reinforced the strong current relationship.”

Antwerp Governor Cathy Berx said: “Throughout our conversations with the Canadians it was very striking that all of them praised Antwerp as a reliable and highly transparent trade partner. We clearly share the same values, such as transparency, the importance of correct controls and corporate social responsibility. These shared values can only further strengthen our good relationships. We can conclude this was a very successful mission.”

Canada’s production doubled between 2012 and 2014, increasing from 1.5 million carats to 3.6 million carats of diamonds, AWDC noted, and in value terms it increased from US$ 2.5 billion to US$ 3.8 billion.

“Diamonds occupy a significant position in the trade balance between Canada and Belgium; 26.4% (in value) of all goods imported from Canada are diamonds,” said AWDC.