De Beers Welcomes UK Statement on DRC Trading

De Beers has welcomed a British government statement that allegations made by the UN Expert Panel against the company are unsubstantiated.

During its investigations into the illegal exploration of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the UN panel alleged that De Beers had breached the OECD Guidelines for Multi-National Companies.

The panel alleged three De Beers’ clients had purchased diamonds in the DRC for their own purposes. 

De Beers said it contacted the clients and each of them told the firm they had official government documentation for their buying activities. They also stopped their buying activities in the DRC following notification from the UN panel.

De Beers Group Managing Director, Gary Ralfe said: “I am delighted by the statement from the UK NCP following the series of meetings that have taken place with representatives of the De Beers Group regarding the allegations contained in the UN Expert Panel report on the DRC.

“De Beers has over the years developed a strong relationship with the United Nations with particular reference to the Group’s leadership role in conflict resolution.”