Mali's Diamond Council Sets 2031 Targets for Licenses, Faster Exports, and Cutting Center

Mali's National Council of Diamond Professionals (CNPDM) has set a 2026-2031 agenda to develop the country's diamond sector. The plan, announced at the organisation's general assembly in Bamako, aims to obtain operating licenses, reduce diamond shipping to under seven days, and preserve its Kimberley Process standing. The council also plans to establish a cutting center in Bamako, formalise 1,000 artisans, and organise an International Diamond Fair of Mali.

The CNPDM's objectives were announced on Saturday at the organisation's ordinary general assembly, held at ACI 2000. Outgoing president Bakary Koïta told the assembly that the council's effectiveness rests on its members. He stressed the importance of transparency in management and the organisation's credibility with authorities and partners. Koïta's comments highlight the need for collaboration and accountability within the council.

Zoumana Touré, president of the organising committee, identified access to operating licenses as a persistent difficulty. The gap complicates justification of diamond origin and traceability, he said, at the risk of weakening Mali's position within the Kimberley Process. Touré also cited certification times for export-bound lots that can exceed one month, compared with less than a week in some countries.

Amadou Sanoussi Dafé, president of the National Confederation of Artisanal Miners' Cooperative Societies of Mali, advocated formalisation of the sector and proposed cooperation with the CNPDM on training, cooperative structuring, and dialogue with public authorities. Dafé's comments reflect the need for collaboration and support for artisanal miners in Mali.

Soumaïla Siby, representing the Minister of Commerce and Industry, said his department was ready to support initiatives in favour of the sector. Siby's statement indicates government support for the development of Mali's diamond sector. The CNPDM was created in 2018 and brings together sector stakeholders confronting difficulties in exploitation, traceability, and marketing.

Since 2014, the CNPDM has undertaken efforts to develop alluvial diamond mining in Yanfolila and Kéniéba. The council's initiatives aim to improve the livelihoods of artisanal miners and promote sustainable diamond mining practices in Mali. Bakary Koïta was reappointed to lead Mali's Diamond Council for the 2026-2031 term.

The CNPDM's 2031 targets reflect the organisation's commitment to developing Mali's diamond sector. Three key points emerge from the council's agenda: obtaining operating licenses, reducing diamond shipping times to under seven days, and establishing a cutting center in Bamako. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable diamond mining practices and improve the livelihoods of artisanal miners in Mali.

Key points

• The CNPDM aims to formalise 1,000 artisans and organise an International Diamond Fair of Mali.
• The council plans to reduce diamond shipping times to under seven days.
• A cutting center will be established in Bamako as part of the 2031 targets.