Responsible Mining and the Enviroment
Orange River Bank
Orange River Holdings is dedicated to minimizing the impact on the environment
In order to avoid any contamination and conflict with indigenous flora and fauna we will conduct all mining operations at a safe distance from the river. We work with local partners and environmental groups to ensure the great natural beauty of the environment is not disturbed.
Orange River Holdings Plc is dedicated to responsible mining and ensures that its diamonds are produced in socially and environmentally responsible ways.
What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates the trade in rough diamonds. Its aim is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, while helping to protect the legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme outlines the provisions by which the trade in rough diamonds is to occur. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum requirements that each Participant must implement.
What are conflict diamonds?
Conflict diamonds, also known as “blood” diamonds, are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments.
Safety is paramount to our operations
Who is involved?
The Kimberley Process is comprised of states and regional economic integration organisations (Participants) who are eligible to trade in rough diamonds under the provisions of the KPCS. As of 30 April 2004 there are 43 Participants, including the European Community, representing all major rough diamond producing, exporting and importing countries.
The Diamond Industry, via the World Diamond Council, and Civil Society groups (Global Witness & Partnership Africa Canada) are also integral parts of the Kimberley Process. These organisations have been involved with the Kimberley Process since its inception and continue to contribute to the effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
What areas of the world are affected by conflict diamonds?
The fighting that is fuelled by the trade in conflict diamonds has been relegated to a few Central and West African countries. Many of these countries have alluvial deposits of rough diamonds – diamonds much easier to mine and thus more readily available to smuggle.
Recent Peace Agreements negotiated in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia remain fragile. Implementation of the Kimberley Process is an important contributor to maintaining the peace, by helping to deny resources to rebel movements and by strengthening legitimate governments.
The Team
What is the difference between Kimberley Process Participants, Applicants and Observers?
Participant is the term used to describe states and/or regional economic integration of organisations who have met the minimum requirements of the KPCS and are eligible to trade in rough diamonds under the auspices of the Kimberley Process. The KPCS prohibits Participants from trading with non-participants.
Applicants are those states that have expressed their commitment to the Kimberley Process but have yet to meet the minimum requirements of the KPCS.
The term Observers refers to Industry and Civil Society groups that play an active role in monitoring the effectiveness of the certification scheme and who provide technical and administrative expertise to the Secretariat, Working Groups, Applicants and Participants.