Which phase of the diamond value chain includes mining and sorting rough diamonds?

• A. Retailing to consumers.
• B. Cutting and polishing in midstream.
• C. Mining and sorting rough diamonds.
• D. Final polishing and sale.

Answer: (C)

This question is about where mining and sorting rough diamonds fit within the diamond value chain. The early part of the chain is all about obtaining and preparing the raw material: mining diamonds from the earth and then sorting the rough stones by size, quality, and potential value so they can be traded or moved into the next stage. This is the upstream, production stage, focusing on the origin and initial handling of the material before any cutting, polishing, or selling takes place.

So mining and sorting rough diamonds belong to the phase that covers upstream activities—the production of rough—rather than the midstream, which involves cutting and polishing, or the downstream stages like final polishing and retail. The other options describe later steps in the process, after the rough has been mined and sorted.