In a landmark moment for the global diamond industry, Alrosa, the world’s largest diamond miner by volume, has announced that its natural diamond production was certified carbon neutral in 2024. Backed by scientific studies and reinforced by sustainability-focused operational changes, this achievement marks a powerful shift toward environmentally responsible luxury.
What Does Carbon-Neutral Diamond Production Mean?
Carbon neutrality means that the total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an operation are offset by equivalent carbon removals. In Alrosa’s case, this certification is the result of innovative geological carbon capture, renewable energy use, and ongoing emission-reduction strategies.
Kimberlite: The Game-Changer in Carbon Sequestration
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Alrosa’s sustainability journey lies in its use of kimberlite, the volcanic rock in which natural diamonds are found.
- Scientific studies from 2021 to 2023 revealed that kimberlite can absorb up to 80 kg of CO₂ per ton through a process known as mineral carbonation.
- Alrosa’s data shows that its kimberlite tailings absorb 1.5 to 4 times more CO₂ than the company emits annually, effectively neutralising its carbon footprint.
This natural offsetting method sets Alrosa apart in the diamond industry and could redefine sustainability standards for mining worldwide.
Alrosa’s Clean Energy and Operational Efficiency
Alongside kimberlite carbonation, Alrosa has taken significant steps to reduce direct and indirect carbon emissions:
- 90% of its electricity is sourced from renewable hydropower.
- The company has converted its vehicle fleet to natural gas, significantly lowering on-site emissions.
- Energy efficiency upgrades have further minimised the company’s operational footprint.
These efforts align with Alrosa’s Sustainability Program 2025–2029, which includes a bold pledge to maintain carbon-neutral production and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Independent Certification and Scientific Backing
Alrosa’s announcement highlights that Russian scientific institutes, in collaboration with the company, conducted the research internally. However, Alrosa has not yet named the third-party body that certified its 2024 carbon-neutral status. The company has committed to annual ESG reporting and transparency to build credibility in sustainable business practices.
Why This Matters for the Diamond Industry
This development goes beyond a corporate milestone—it actively shifts how people perceive natural diamonds in terms of sustainability.
- It challenges the assumption that lab-grown diamonds are automatically more eco-friendly. Lab-grown diamonds produced using fossil fuel–driven grids can emit over 260–600 kg CO₂ per carat, compared to Alrosa’s carbon-neutral lifecycle for natural diamonds.
- Consumers can now choose authentic natural diamonds with verified low environmental impact, backed by science and renewable energy.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Luxury
Alrosa’s success in achieving carbon-neutral certification serves as a blueprint for other mining companies, not just in the diamond industry but across natural resource sectors.
By combining geological innovation, clean energy, and ESG transparency, the company is proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist and even enhance one another.
With its 2024 carbon-neutral certification, Alrosa has redefined the environmental narrative surrounding natural diamonds. This breakthrough, powered by scientific rigour and strategic foresight, reinforces Alrosa’s leadership in responsible mining and signals a sustainable future for the entire diamond supply chain.
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