RAS question
Which of the following statements about the global diamond industry is/are CORRECT? 1. Botswana and Russia are the two largest diamond mining countries by value. 2. Surat in India is the world's largest diamond cutting and polishing centre. 3. De Beers, historically, controlled over 85% of the global rough diamond trade.
Correct answer: (C) All three are correct.
All three statements are correct: Russia and Botswana are the leading diamond producers by value, Surat is the world's largest cutting and polishing centre, and De Beers historically dominated rough-diamond distribution.
Explanation
The MCQ tests the diamond industry as a full value chain, not just mining. The Kimberley Process 2023 summary places the Russian Federation and Botswana first and second in diamond production by value, with Canada, Angola and Namibia below them. Surat Municipal Corporation's Diamond Gallery page shows Surat's role in cutting and polishing, noting that India cuts and polishes nine out of ten diamonds seen in major stores and that Surat accounts for most of that sheen. From its founding era until the start of the 21st century, De Beers controlled about 80-85% of rough-diamond distribution. Therefore, statements 1, 2 and 3 stand together.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) It leaves out statement 3, even though De Beers historically controlled the rough-diamond pipeline.
- (B) It leaves out statement 1, while the Kimberley Process 2023 value table ranks the Russian Federation and Botswana as the top two producers by value.
- (D) It keeps only the mining-value statement and wrongly excludes Surat's cutting-polishing role and De Beers' historical rough-diamond dominance.
Concept
This tests the geography of mineral industries across extraction, processing and trade control. RAS repeats such themes because global resource questions often link mines, processing hubs and market institutions in one supply chain.