Which of the following frameworks is mentioned as complementary to the Kimberley Process in governing the diamond industry?

• A. ISO 9001 quality management standards
• B. Corporate due diligence in supply chains
• C. Conflict-free color grading systems
• D. Blockchain provenance certifications

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that the Kimberley Process focuses on preventing conflict diamonds from entering the market, but it doesn’t address every risk across the entire supply chain. Corporate due diligence in supply chains provides a broad, company-led framework for responsible sourcing, guiding how businesses identify, assess, and mitigate risks from mining to retail.

This approach asks firms to map their whole diamond journey, check suppliers for human rights, environmental, and governance standards, and implement measures to reduce harm or abuse. It also encourages transparency and accountability, aligning with international guidance like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Minerals and related human rights principles. By applying due diligence, companies can complement the Kimberley Process’s specific scope with a holistic, risk-based governance system that covers suppliers, downstream actors, and ongoing compliance.

Other options focus on internal quality management (not the broader governance of sourcing), classification or grading systems (which deal with attributes rather than governance), or technologies for traceability (useful tools but not the overarching governance framework).