Which term is associated with an 18-month to 3-year cycle, pre-approved sight holders, and 75-80% of rough being sold this way?

• A. Auction/tenders
• B. Sorting Rough
• C. Short-term contract
• D. Long-term contract

Answer: (B)

Sorting rough describes the process of organizing rough diamond lots and allocating them to a stable group of buyers called sight holders. This system relies on a long planning horizon, typically 18 months to 3 years, to align mine production, sorting, and demand from buyers who are pre-approved to purchase at the sights. Because of this structured setup, a large share of rough—about 75-80%—is sold through these sight-based allocations. In other words, the term fits because it encompasses both the preparation and the centralized sale channel that underpins the majority of rough sales. Auctions or tenders involve competitive bidding and shorter cycles, while short- or long-term contracts relate to duration rather than the channel used to move the bulk of rough.