Which country accounts for the largest percentage of world diamond production by weight?

Which country accounts for the largest percentage of world diamond production by weight?

• A. Australia
• B. Russia
• C. Canada
• D. Botswana

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that when we measure world diamond production by weight (carats mined), one country clearly supplies more than any other: Russia. This dominance comes from its huge kimberlite fields in Yakutia (Sakha) and the presence of very large, steady-producing mines such as Mir and Udachny, which collectively push Russia to the top of global rough-diamond output. Because the volume from these mines is so substantial, Russia accounts for a larger share of world production by weight than Botswana, Canada, or Australia. Botswana produces a lot of carats too, especially from mines like Jwaneng and Orapa, but not at the same scale as Russia. Canada has important mines (Diavik, Ekati) but overall output is smaller, and Australia’s contribution has waned after peak years and the Argyle mine’s reduced production. So, by weight, Russia is the largest producer.

The main idea here is that when we measure world diamond production by weight (carats mined), one country clearly supplies more than any other: Russia. This dominance comes from its huge kimberlite fields in Yakutia (Sakha) and the presence of very large, steady-producing mines such as Mir and Udachny, which collectively push Russia to the top of global rough-diamond output. Because the volume from these mines is so substantial, Russia accounts for a larger share of world production by weight than Botswana, Canada, or Australia. Botswana produces a lot of carats too, especially from mines like Jwaneng and Orapa, but not at the same scale as Russia. Canada has important mines (Diavik, Ekati) but overall output is smaller, and Australia’s contribution has waned after peak years and the Argyle mine’s reduced production. So, by weight, Russia is the largest producer.