The results of respective research were first presented at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. During a round table dedicated to the impact of responsible consumption on the development of the international diamond market, a statement was made confirming the complete carbon neutrality of Russian diamonds.
Growing Demand for Responsible Luxury
The event brought together global diamond industry leaders, sustainability experts, and premium consumption analysts. Participants highlighted the growing trend of responsible consumption in the luxury sector, especially as global demand for luxury goods rises steadily—by $100 billion every 10 years.
According to Bain & Company’s Luxury Study 2023, sustainable luxury markets grow at 20–30% annually, compared to the overall luxury market’s 8–10%. Additionally, Deloitte Global reports that buyers are willing to pay up to 27% more for sustainable luxury products.
Groundbreaking Carbon Research by ALROSA
At the event, Pavel Marinychev, CEO of ALROSA, presented research carried out over three years. The work involved experts from the ALROSA Innovation and Technology Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, and other institutes. The findings proved that diamond-bearing ore, specifically kimberlite, from ALROSA’s Yakutia and Arkhangelsk deposits, absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during production.
Theoretical, field, and lab studies estimated the CO2 absorption volume during the extraction and processing of kimberlite rock. Kimberlite from ALROSA mines absorbs approximately 1 million tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to the absorption capacity of 400,000 hectares of forest.
How the Process Locks in Carbon
This carbon capture is enabled by ALROSA’s production technology, which speeds up carbonization—the conversion of minerals into stable carbonates. The carbon absorbed does not reenter the atmosphere, as the process forms naturally locked compounds.
This scientific evidence enabled ALROSA to analyze the carbon footprint of its natural diamonds. The result? A certified negative carbon footprint of –0.71 kg CO2-eq per carat in 2024.
ALROSA’s Global Milestone
ALROSA has now become the world’s first mining company with carbon-neutral products across its entire annual output. This milestone was achieved not through offsetting or green certificates but through actual, science-backed environmental impact reduction.
“This is a landmark event for the industry,” said CEO Pavel Marinychev.
“It confirms that kimberlite absorbs carbon at a scale never proven before. This makes natural diamonds even more attractive for consumers seeking conscious luxury. For jewelry companies, this is a serious competitive edge, difficult to replicate with lab-grown alternatives.”
Industry Reactions
Lin Qiang, president, Shanghai Diamond Exchange:
The recognition of ALROSA diamonds, which account for one-third of the world’s production, as carbon-neutral will surely become a powerful argument in favor of choosing natural diamonds. This development will make natural diamond jewelry even more appealing to consumers, especially younger generations.
The Shanghai Diamond Exchange will take an active role in raising awareness among Chinese consumers about this breakthrough. I see great potential in this discovery for the world diamond industry. It is important that other companies shall also aim to achieve carbon neutrality. Of course, not every company has access to the same technology that ALROSA does. However, there are alternative ways to reduce the carbon footprint—through climate projects, carbon credit purchases, or mutual offset mechanisms via a shared “diamond carbon registry.”
Kirit Bhansali, Chair, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC):
Today’s announcement on carbon neutrality in diamonds marks a potentially meaningful development for the industry. It brings together the cultural value of natural diamonds with growing expectations around sustainability, adding a new layer of relevance to fine jewellery.
In a time where environmental responsibility and conscious consumerism are increasingly shaping buying preferences, such steps towards responsible practices are welcome.
Nosiphiwo Mzamo, CEO, State Diamond Trader of South Africa:
The findings unveiled by ALROSA today are significant for the entire diamond industry, particularly because lab-grown diamonds—produced at scale outside of diamond-producing countries—are often assumed to be more environmentally friendly. In reality, the production of most of them requires significant energy consumption; and at industrial scale, this energy often comes from “dirty” sources such as coal and oil.
We now see that allegations of natural diamonds harming the climate are unfounded. I believe ALROSA’s findings should be made available to African producers as part of best practice sharing—and should also encourage similar research across the continent.
Igor Korotetsky, partner at KEPT, ESG consultant:
Commitment to sustainability, particularly efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, is an important step for luxury brands in building trust-based relations with conscious consumers. Moreover, it is an opportunity to further draw attention to the problem of climate change, additional positive marketing and environmental awareness.
ALROSA is setting a trend for a decade to come: natural diamonds are no longer only a luxury item but a symbol of a new time, where luxury is combined with responsible consumption and natural beauty is associated with care for the planet.
Anastasia Poletaeva, fashion columnist:
The fashion industry is still struggling with a ghost of greenwashing—a practice when loud statements about being “green” were not supported by real actions. It is nice to know that it is the Russian company ALROSA that is challenging the industry. It doesn’t play “ecological capsules,” but changes the rules of the game.
A natural gemstone with a zero carbon footprint and a multibillion-dollar return for the implementation of climate projects—this is the new standard of luxury.
About ALROSA
ALROSA is the largest diamond mining company in the world, and the global leader in proven diamond reserves. It is the only company that covers every stage of the diamond journey—from geological exploration to jewelry production.
ALROSA’s main mining assets are in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Arkhangelsk Region, operating over 20 diamond deposits. It holds 30% of global and 90% of Russian diamond production. As of the end of 2024, the company mined 33 million carats, with over 1 billion carats in reserves. ALROSA’s present headed by CEO Pavel Marinychev
