Diamond Exports: Australia's $2.3 Billion Sparkle

Diamonds are a **top-10 export commodity for Australia**, generating **$2.3 billion (AUD) in 2020–21** (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Ranking & Context

Source: Argyle & Beyond

• Argyle Mine (WA): World's largest diamond producer by volume (1983–2020); famous for **pink diamonds** (90% global supply). Closed Nov 2020.
• Ellendale (WA): Yellow diamonds; closed 2015.
• Merlin (NT): High-quality white; intermittent ops.
• Exploration: Ongoing in WA, NT, SA for new kimberlites/lamproites.

Value Chain

Most Australian diamonds exported **rough** (Antwerp, Mumbai, Dubai, Tel Aviv for cutting). Limited domestic cutting/polishing. Value-add potential identified in critical minerals strategy.

Outlook

Post-Argyle, volumes down; focus on **high-value stones** (rare colors, large whites) and **tech applications** (quantum, semiconductors). $2.3B may dip but quality premium persists.

Diamonds: small volume, high value, iconic Australian mineral story.