Revolutionary Diamond Detection Method: Alrosa on the Brink of Groundbreaking Discoveries

Alrosa, (RUSSIA) the world's largest diamond mining company, is on the cusp of a groundbreaking discovery thanks to a new diamond detection method focusing on olivine. 

This innovative approach, developed by geologists from ETH Zurich and the University of Melbourne, has the potential to streamline the diamond detection process, ensuring its reliability and making it more cost-effective. With expectations of new ore body discoveries within the next two to three years, the future of the diamond industry looks brighter than ever.

Quadri Adejumo
12 Feb 2024 

Revolutionary Diamond Detection Method: Alrosa on the Brink of Groundbreaking Discoveries

In a world where the lure of diamonds continues to captivate, Alrosa, the leading diamond mining company, stands on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery. A novel method for detecting diamond deposits, developed by geologists from ETH Zurich and the University of Melbourne, has the potential to revolutionize the diamond mining industry. The discovery, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, promises to streamline the detection process and ensure its reliability.

The Link Between Olivine and Diamonds

The innovative approach focuses on establishing a connection between diamond occurrence and the mineral olivine. Olivine, a common mineral in Earth's mantle, plays a crucial role in the formation of kimberlite rock, the primary source of diamonds. By analyzing the iron-to-magnesium ratio in olivine, scientists can determine the diamond content of kimberlite rock with remarkable precision.

A Simplified Detection Method

The new method simplifies the process of detecting diamond deposits, making it a more efficient and cost-effective solution for the diamond mining industry. By estimating the diamond content in kimberlite rock through olivine analysis, geologists can better predict the presence of diamonds and prioritize areas for exploration.

Alrosa's Anticipated Diamond Discoveries

Alrosa, the world's largest diamond mining company, is optimistic about the potential of this new detection method. With its current reserves of raw diamonds at deep levels sufficient to develop deposits until 2060, Alrosa continues its quest for new deposits to ensure sustainable operations in the coming decades and maintain its average production volume.

Over the past five years, geologists have discovered over twenty kimberlite bodies, with appraisal work completed for eight of them. The company anticipates discovering new ore bodies or deposits within the next two to three years, with expectations for this year. The new detection method could accelerate this timeline and lead to even more significant discoveries.

As the demand for diamonds continues to grow, the development of new detection methods becomes increasingly vital. The collaboration between ETH Zurich, the University of Melbourne, and Alrosa demonstrates the power of innovation in propelling the diamond mining industry forward. With the potential for new diamond deposit discoveries by 2023, the future of the diamond industry shines brighter than ever.