The recognition comes on the back of scientific validation of the ability of kimberlite ore deposits in the company’s area of operations to absorb carbon dioxide during diamond extraction and processing. Pavel Marinychev, CEO of Alrosa, noted that Alrosa is the first mining company to obtain full annual production‑volume carbon neutrality without relying on offset mechanisms
Moscow: Russia’s leading diamond mining and distribution company Alrosa has received a verification certificate recognizing its natural diamonds as carbon‑neutral, with a net negative carbon footprint of 0.71 kg CO₂‑eq per carat in 2024. This finding was announced at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum during a round table on responsible consumption in the diamond market, attended by industry representatives, sustainable development experts and luxury-sector analysts.
Pavel Marinychev, CEO of Alrosa, presented research from a three‑year collaboration with the Alrosa Innovation and Technology Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University and other research entities. The study demonstrated that kimberlite ore deposits in Yakutia and the Arkhangelsk region absorb carbon dioxide during diamond extraction and processing. Field, laboratory and theoretical analyses revealed that about 1 million tonnes of CO₂‑eq are absorbed annually—equivalent to the absorption capacity of 4,00,000 hectares of forest. The study showed that the absorbed carbon remains locked in stable mineral form.
The findings were used to calculate the carbon footprint of Alrosa’s natural diamonds, resulting in a negative figure of 0.71 kg CO₂‑eq per carat. Alrosa accounts for roughly 30% of global diamond production. Following the announcement, experts suggested this certification may improve the appeal of natural diamonds. Marinychev noted that Alrosa is the first mining company to obtain full annual production‑volume carbon neutrality without relying on offset mechanisms such as green certificates.
“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,” Marinychev said. “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.”
Lin Qiang, president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, added:“The recognition of Alrosa diamonds which account for one‑third of the world’s production as carbon‑neutral will surely become a powerful argument in favour of choosing natural diamonds. This development will make natural diamond jewellery even more appealing to consumers, especially younger generations… I see great potential in this discovery for the world diamond industry… It is important that other companies shall also aim to achieve carbon neutrality.”
Jim Vimadalal, Director, Alrosa India, said,“This landmark validation is a proud moment not just for Alrosa, but for the global diamond industry. I am thrilled to witness science reaffirm what nature has always quietly done, make diamonds not just rare and beautiful, but now verifiably carbon‑neutral. India has long valued authenticity, sustainability and legacy… This certification is more than a validation of carbon neutrality—it’s a bold statement of what natural diamonds can represent in today’s sustainability‑conscious world.”
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of 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… such steps towards responsible practices are welcome.”
The science‑based findings and certification mark a shift for the natural diamond sector, aligning product credentials with rising global demand for environmental responsibility and transparency.
Alrosa is one of the world’s largest diamond mining companies, responsible for around 30% of global and 90% of Russian diamond production. With operations across more than 20 deposits in Yakutia and the Arkhangelsk region, its vertically integrated structure spans exploration to jewellery creation. As of end-2024, Alrosa mined 33 million carats, with total reserves exceeding 1 billion carats.
Retail Jeweller India News
