In the News
« Previous EntriesReport on Child Gold Mining in Africa
Friday, August 22nd, 2008According to United Nations reports, 1/5 of the world’s gold comes from primitive bush mines in Africa, South America and Asia, which are being mined by children as young as four years old. These impoverished children are lured by promises of $2/day wages, of which they typically only receive a fraction. The children are required […]
Madagascar Responds to Gemstone Smuggling Problem
Friday, August 22nd, 2008In response to the recent alleged smuggling of an astounding 1,179-pound rough emerald from Madagascar, the African island nation’s government imposed a ban on the export of all gemstones. While it has continued to haggle over the emerald’s return with a French company that claims ownership, the country is once again exporting cut and finished […]
Claims that Air Zimbabwe used flights to transport diamonds, ivory, and gold to Beijing in exchange for weapons
Friday, July 25th, 2008China Calls Air Zimbabwe Report a Malicious Rumor
RAPAPORT… China refuted The Age newspaper report out of Australia that claims Air Zimbabwe used flights to transport diamonds, ivory, and gold to Beijing in exchange for weapons.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao wrote in a statement, “The report proved to be malicious rumor.”
Big increase in illegal gold mining
Monday, July 14th, 2008Illegal mining of gold has rocketed in many poor countries as gold prices have risen. This has created difficulties for established gold mining companies, dangers for the illegal miners themselves, as well as environmental problems.
Eight Killed at Guyana Diamond Mining Site
Friday, June 27th, 2008Reuters and Rapaport are reporting that unknown assailants shot as many as eight people at a remote diamond mining camp in Guyana, burning the bodies afterwards. Criminal gangs operating in the area are known for other similar attacks. They sometimes take refuge in the mineral-rich […]
Fake Kimberley Process Certificates Surface
Monday, June 23rd, 2008Rapaport reports that fake Kimberley Process certificates have been identified as a threat to the global tracking system for conflict diamonds.
Venezuela Withdraws from Kimberley Process
Friday, June 20th, 2008Close upon the heels of numerous calls by NGOs like Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada that Venezuela be expelled from the Kimberley Process, Venezuela has made it an easy decision by voluntarily withdrawing themselves for the next two years.
Your Green Life Features Brilliant Earth
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008Your TV20 is one of the few remaining independent television stations offering in-depth local coverage in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Brilliant Earth is thrilled to be a part of their trail blazing green programming initiative that helps Bay Area viewers stay informed with simple tips that anyone can use to live a more […]
Renewed Calls for Venezuela’s Exit
Monday, June 9th, 2008Venezuela is a charter member of the Kimberley Process, the certification system which oversees the global trade of diamonds and tries to keep those tainted by conflict out of general circulation. Despite their voluntary participation since 2003, Partnership Africa Canada reports that Venezuela has submitted no statistical information and no annual reports after the first […]
Eric on KQED Radio’s Forum
Friday, June 6th, 2008What sets the new generation of social entrepreneurs apart? KQED Radio’s public affairs program Forum investigates with a round table discussion including Eric, Brilliant Earth’s illustrious co-founder! The program brings together an author who’s written a book about social entrepreneurism and three Bay Area entrepreneurs motivated by environmental concerns and social equity.
[LISTEN]