Yes. GemFair was established by De Beers Group to support the formalisation of the ASM sector by building an inclusive programme to raise standards, capture fair value and trace artisanally mined diamonds from the mine onward. GemFair uses digital technology to trace ASM diamonds from the time they are discovered at the mine site and requires all participating sites to meet minimum operating and ethical standards aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals.

GemFair is focusing exclusively on diamonds for the time being. However, with minor tweaks to the software and the GemFair ASM Standard, the solution could potentially be used for other minerals in the future.

GemFair has developed a Responsible ASM Assurance Programme that sets out responsible working standards for miners selling into the programme - as well as details of how we support the attainment of these requirements. The Programme is aligned with with the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains and incorporates progressive improvement approaches on labour practices, health and safety, community consent and environmental impact management. More information can be found here.

All the diamonds GemFair purchases from artisanal miners are traceable thanks to our digital solution. This comprises a bespoke diamond logging app with both an online and offline function; a dedicated tablet supported by a diamond valuation toolkit; tamper-proof QR-coded bags; and diamond surface scanning technology to create a digital fingerprint of the diamonds we purchase. All of this data for eligible diamonds of a certain weight can then be scanned on the Tracr platform.

GemFair’s digital solution also serves as a customer management system, helping GemFair staff keep track of GemFair diamond suppliers, onboard them into the programme, carry out KYC checks, purchase diamonds and track compliance checks.

GemFair currently operates in Sierra Leone.

The majority of ASM sites in Kono are abandoned at the completion of mining activity without any backfilling. This practice means deep pits are left in the ground which poses a safety risk, serves as a breeding ground for water-borne diseases and represents a waste of productive land. That’s why, since 2020, we have been working with communities to reclaim former mine sites and convert them into farmland, providing jobs and crucial food for families in Kono.

GemFair provides selected members access to finance through our Forward Purchase Agreement (FPA) programme. In consultation with miners, we identified that there was a lack of fair, formal and transparent financing options available – the initiative was established in response to this. In short, FPA beneficiaries receive funding to cover all of their financing needs for a defined work cycle: Capital inputs, labour and consumables. When miners find diamonds that must sell them to GemFair. At the point of sale a proportion of the value of the diamond is retained by GemFair to cover the forwarded monies. If, at the end of the work cycle, the forward sum is not paid in full through the discovery of diamonds the balance is zeroed, thereby taking the risk out of mining for our beneficiaries.