First Liberian Rough Diamonds Under KP

For the first time since the ban on rough diamond exports was lifted, Liberia has exported $200 million worth of goods, Information Minister Laurence Bropleh said.

A tight lid was placed on Liberia’s diamond exports by the United Nations following its use of diamond sales to finance its civil war. The country was closely monitored and, after a positive report from an inspection team, the UN lifted the sanction last April.

In July, the country lifted its self-imposed moratorium on diamond mining and trading.

The country collected a three percent royalty fee, which will be used to finance public infrastructure, Bropleh said.