The carbon footprint of diamond mining is significant. Mined diamonds emit approximately 160kg CO2 per polished carat, compared to 510kg CO2 per polished carat for lab-grown diamonds. This footprint arises from the extensive earth movement required for mining and the energy-intensive processes involved.
What is the Carbon Footprint of Diamond Mining? (5 Key Points Explained)
1. Earth Movement and Energy Consumption
For every carat of diamond mined, an estimated 250 tonnes of earth is shifted. This massive excavation process not only disrupts large areas of land but also requires significant energy, contributing to the carbon emissions. The energy required for this process is higher than that needed for lab-grown diamonds. A 2014 report by Frost & Sullivan indicated that mined diamonds require twice as much energy per carat compared to lab-grown ones.
2. Carbon Emissions
According to a report by Trucost for the Diamond Producers Association, the carbon emissions from mined diamonds are estimated at 160kg CO2 per polished carat. This is less than the emissions from lab-grown diamonds, which are estimated at 510kg CO2 per polished carat. The higher emissions in lab-grown diamonds are due to the extremely high temperatures needed for their production, which consumes a large amount of energy.
3. Efforts to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Researchers at Anglo American, the parent company of De Beers, are working on a project to reduce the carbon footprint of mined diamonds through a process called "mineral carbonation." This process involves capturing carbon dioxide inside a porous mined rock known as kimberlite, potentially offsetting some of the greenhouse emissions from the mining process.
4. Environmental Impact Beyond Carbon Emissions
Diamond mining also contributes to environmental issues such as acid mine drainage, which pollutes water sources. This occurs when minerals from the mined rocks seep into the water supply, posing significant environmental liabilities. Efforts are being made, such as collaborations between the University of Waterloo and the Diavik diamond mine, to mitigate these impacts.
5. Comparative Analysis with Lab-Grown Diamonds
While lab-grown diamonds have a higher carbon footprint per polished carat, there is a lack of transparency in data that makes a direct comparison challenging. The Diamond Producers Association suggests that natural diamond mining produces three times less greenhouse gas emissions than lab-grown diamond production. However, the reliability of these figures is sometimes questioned, especially concerning the energy sources used in lab-grown diamond production.
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