Rough diamond sales at Anglo’s De Beers rise in seventh cycle

Anglo American said on Wednesday that the value of rough diamond sales at its De Beers unit rose in the seventh cycle of the year.

The value ticked up to $515m from $514m in the sixth cycle and $334m in the seventh cycle of last year.

De Beers chief executive Bruce Cleaver said: "Sentiment in the diamond industry's midstream continues to be positive and this is reflected in our sales for Sight 7. Demand for rough diamonds is a result of robust demand for polished diamonds in our key markets of the US and China.

"The midstream's optimism for the remainder of the year was also evident at the recent JCK Las Vegas trade show which was a success despite being held under challenging circumstances. As we now head towards a traditionally slower period for rough diamond sales, we remain cognisant of the risks to economic recovery from the global pandemic."