Here Are the 10 Biggest Diamond Producing Countries in the World Right Now

A small group of nations controls the vast majority of the world’s diamond output, shaping a market defined by geology, scale, and uneven distribution. From Arctic mines to African riverbeds, these countries determine where most these rare stones are found today.

Each year, between 24 and 36 tons of diamonds are extracted from kimberlite and lamproite rocks. According to data featured by Futura-Sciences, global production reached around 142 million carats in 2020, although only a limited share qualifies as gem-quality stones.

For more than a century, Africa has played a central role in diamond discoveries, including some of the most famous gems ever recorded. At the same time, countries like Russia and Canada has added new names to the list of diamond-producing countries.

Russia – 23 Million Carats

Russia leads global production with 23 million carats in 2020. The deposits in the Sakha Republic, including the Mir and Oudachnaya mines, support this output. According to the source, Alrosa, which is partly state owned, accounts for about 27% of global diamond production, with estimated reserves of 650 million carats.

Botswana – 16 Million Carats

Botswana ranks second, producing 16 million carats. The Jwaneng mine, which is operated in partnership with the globally renowned diamond corporation De Beers, produces between 12 and 15 million carats per year and is regarded as the most valuable diamond mine in the world. The mine’s reserves are estimated at 310 million carats.

Canada – 13 Million Carats

Canada produced 13 million carats in 2020, even though it only entered the industry relatively recently, with commercial mining starting in 1998. According to the provided data, mines in remote northern regions have to deal with harsh weather, isolation, and high costs, which have already forced some sites to shut down and still make operations difficult today.

Angola – 8.5 Million Carats

Angola reached 8.5 million carats, with most of its production coming from alluvial deposits like Lulo, where gemstones are collected from riverbeds rather than mined deep underground.

As mentioned in the Futura-Sciences report, more than 16 diamonds over 100 carats have been found there, showing the area’s strong potential, though political instability has made it harder to fully assess reserves and develop the sector further.

South Africa – 7.7 Million Carats

South Africa produced 7.7 million carats in 2020. Long associated with exceptional diamonds, it remains closely tied to the discovery of the Cullinan diamond, the largest rough diamond ever found.

Today, production is led by major operations such as the Finsch and Venetia mines, which have taken over from older sites and continue to support the country’s position as a key player in the global ones industry, even if it is no longer the top producer.

Democratic Republic of the Congo – 3.7 Million Carats

The Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 3.7 million carats in official production. As explained in the provided information, only about 20% of its diamonds are gem-quality, while widespread artisanal mining makes total output difficult to measure.

Namibia – 1.9 million carats

Namibia produced 1.9 million carats, primarily from coastal deposits rather than traditional inland mines. These diamonds are believed to have originated in neighboring regions and transported by rivers. The state backed Namdeb has increasingly focused on offshore extraction.

Lesotho – 1.1 Million Carats

Lesotho, with 1.1 million carats, stands out for the size and quality of its gems. The Letšeng mine has produced stones exceeding 300 carats, including the 910 carat Lesotho Legend and a 442 carat yellow diamond discovered in 2020.

Australia – 340,000 Carats

Australia produced 340,000 carats in 2020, reflecting a steep decline following the closure of the Argyle mine. Once a leading producer, it was known for rare pink diamonds found in lamproite formations.

These stones, formed in unusual lamproite rock, made Argyle stand out globally. Since its shutdown, Australia’s presence in the diamond market has clearly declined, marking the end of a major chapter for the country.

Tanzania – 260,000 Carats

Tanzania rounds out the list with 260,000 carats. Most of its production comes from the Williamson mine, located about 100 km from Lake Victoria. Discovered in 1940, it remains one of the oldest continuously operating diamond mines.

Across these countries, production varies a lot in both scale and quality. Data shows that about 80% of the precious stones are used for industrial purposes, which is often overlooked.

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