Sierra Leone Diamond Exports Fall 31%

Sierra Leone exported in 2008 371,285 carats worth a stated value of $98 million, the African country said Friday. Diamond exports declined compared to the previous year, when they totaled 448,928 carats at $141.5 million, according to figures published by the mineral resources ministry.

The decline was blamed on major exporters’ inability to do business. According to the ministry, this was especially so for Sierra Leone's leading diamond exporter, Koidu Holdings. Operations at Koidu were on hold for seven months.