The company says Rio Tinto has completed five of the 10 bulk sample trench cutter holes at the project.

The West African nation has already canceled or suspended permits for assets that were not operational.

The firm says that the weak July the diamond industry experienced was caused by high rough diamond supply at inflated prices.

The diamond received a D color rating, meaning it’s colourless and extremely rare.

Across Africa and the developing world, local groups are increasingly mounting legal challenges against companies extracting minerals.

Foreign investors can now take majority stakes in the platinum and diamond sectors.

In the diamond trading world, becoming one of De Beers' elite buyers is viewed as essential to achieving success and making money. Now, it’s no longer so easy.

Volcan was Anglo American's biggest shareholder, with a nearly 20% stake.