Soaring imports of low-grade rough diamonds from Zimbabwe are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs this year in Surat, India—the world's largest cutting and polishing centre. Industry insiders are estimating that 60,000 new workers will be needed in Surat to cut and polish rough diamonds that originate from Zimbabwe’s Marange mines. Surat’s local diamond cutting industry currently employs about 500,000 workers.

 India's diamond industry is expected to import about $1.5 billion worth of rough diamonds from Zimbabwe this year.

“I need at least 50 more workers and have started searching for skilled polishers….My inventory of roughs has increased due to high demand of low-range polished goods in the retail markets of India, China, Hong Kong and the Middle-East," said the owner of an Indian diamond manufacturing unit that employs 150 polishers.

According to Dinesh Navadia, president of Surat Diamond Association (SDA), smaller diamond cutting centers will also benefit from the flow of Zimbabwe diamonds, as units in Surat often outsource work to smaller centers. 

“We believe that the flow of Zimbabwe diamonds will create over 60,000 jobs in the Surat industry. Zimbabwe diamonds are cheaper than those from other mining countries and manufacturers in Surat have a win-win situation," said Sanjay Kothari, vice chairman of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

The Indian diamond industry is facing tough competition from China, however, as China’s cutting and polishing sectors are rising in strength and experiencing increased business. Also, The Times of India reported that the number of skilled diamond workers in China has risen from 7,000 in 2007 to over 60,000 in 2011. China is only second behind India in processing small diamonds.

 

 

 

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