Sierra Leone Trade Mission held
Rapaport Trade Mission Meets Sierra Leone Diggers Proposes Local Competitive Auctions The Rapaport Trade Mission to Sierra Leone attracted a strong group of 29 international diamantaires and jewelers from the US, India, UAE, UK, Switzerland, Turkey, Canada, Spain, and Israel. For many, the trip was transformative as they visited the diggers in their villages and came face to face with the challenges and opportunities confronting the artisanal digger communities. Two days were spent up-country in Kono, where the group met with the paramount chiefs, visited diggers and digging sites, and had dinner with 50 members of the Kono District Miners Union. A highlight of the trip was the visit to Koryardu, the village where the Peace Diamond was discovered. A new medical center, school, and road are being constructed. For the first time, clean water, sanitation, and electricity will be provided. The group had lunch with the Alluvial Diamond and Gold Miners Association and m...