Australia to chair diamond body - Kimberley Process

TodayI welcome delegates to Perth for the Kimberley Process Intersessional meeting,the first of two meetings Australia will host as Chair of the Process in 2017.

TheKimberley Process, a partnership between government, the global diamondindustry and civil society, was established in 2003 to eliminate 'conflict diamonds',ensuring that diamonds have not been used to finance or perpetuate conflicts.

DuringAustralia's term as Chair, we will focus on strengthening implementation of theProcess, including ways to enhance the security of rough diamond shipments andcertificates.

Wewill also lead a comprehensive review of the Kimberley Process to strengthenits integrity and ensure that the Process is well placed to lead internationalstandard setting in the diamond trade into the future.

Australia will also host two special forums during theIntersessional meeting. The first will explore cooperation betweenIndigenous communities and the mining sector in Australia. The secondwill look at ways to address evolving consumer expectations, and ensurefairness and sustainability across the entire diamond value chain.

Australiahas a strong economic interest in a sustainable and resilient mining sector andwill continue to work with all stakeholders to forge astronger and more comprehensive Process in relation to the diamond trade.