Lab-Grown Diamonds: Eco-Friendly Or Polluting The Planet?

The diamond industry has long been associated with environmental and ethical concerns. From the reckless and unregulated mining of diamonds to the use of child labour and the exploitation of the workforce, the diamond industry's impact on the environment and society has been significant. As a result, consumers are increasingly turning to lab-grown diamonds as a more sustainable and ethical alternative. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment using eco-friendly methods, reducing the environmental impact and social issues associated with natural diamonds. However, some argue that the energy-intensive process of creating lab-grown diamonds and the use of non-renewable energy sources may contribute to carbon emissions and other environmental challenges. With the growing demand for lab-grown diamonds and the push for more sustainable practices, the industry is answering the call to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

Lab-grown diamonds and carbon emissions

The environmental impact of lab-grown diamonds is a highly debated topic. Some sources claim that lab-grown diamonds are less environmentally friendly than naturally mined diamonds, while others argue that they are more sustainable and eco-friendly. One of the main concerns regarding the environmental impact of lab-grown diamonds is their carbon footprint.

Carbon emissions are one of the most visible effects of the diamond industry on the environment. The process of mining natural diamonds releases carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. Additionally, electricity and hydrocarbon energy used in mining diamonds release carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, and chemical substances into the air, causing smog and other environmental challenges.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are produced in controlled laboratory settings using technological methods. The energy use and emissions from diamond-growing laboratories are often claimed to be negligible. A comparative analysis by Frost & Sullivan found that mined diamonds produce 57,000 grams of carbon emissions per carat, while lab-grown diamonds emit only 0.028 grams per carat. This significant difference in carbon emissions makes lab-grown diamonds a more environmentally friendly alternative.

However, it is important to consider the energy sources used for producing lab-grown diamonds. If the manufacturing process relies on energy generated from fossil fuels, it may result in higher carbon dioxide emissions than natural diamond mining. Most factories still depend on fossil fuels to power the reactors, and China, a major producer of lab-grown diamonds, relies heavily on coal for energy. In such cases, the carbon footprint of lab-grown diamonds can be less favorable.

To minimize the carbon footprint of lab-grown diamonds, consumers should look for jewelers who use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. By choosing lab-grown diamonds produced with renewable energy, consumers can contribute to a greener future and support sustainable practices in the diamond industry.

Environmental impact of mined diamonds

The environmental impact of mined diamonds has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. The process of diamond mining can have significant effects on the natural world, and the societies and ecosystems that exist within it.

Firstly, the extraction and processing phase of diamond mining can result in large-scale excavations and modifications of coastal and inland areas. This can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, deforestation, and ecosystem destruction. For every carat of diamond mined via traditional methods, nearly 100 square feet of land is disturbed, and over 5,700 pounds of mineral waste is created. This waste often ends up in large waste piles, and the infrastructure of mining sites can include the creation of access roads and water sources, which can alter the natural landscape. Marine diamond mining, for example, has resulted in large-scale excavations and modifications of coastal areas, with crawlers attached to ships gathering seabed gravel. This has obvious consequences for marine life and ecosystems.

Secondly, diamond mining can cause water pollution and water scarcity. In water-scarce countries, rivers and lakes are polluted long after mining operations have ended. In Zimbabwe, for instance, there have been reports of livestock deaths and human ailments along the Odzi River, which environmentalists believe is due to the release of ferrosilicon, a toxic substance. Water is also used in large amounts during the diamond mining process, for cooling purposes.

Thirdly, diamond mining can cause air pollution and carbon emissions. The electricity and hydrocarbon energy used in mining diamonds cause carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, and chemical substances to be released into the air. This has contributed to smog and climate change. According to one diamond mine's data, they produced 727 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per carat mined in 2022, totalling 164,900 metric tons of CO2 annually.

Finally, diamond mining has been associated with various social issues, including terrible working conditions, low wages, and the use of child labour. Africa, in particular, is known for its poor working conditions, with wages as low as $1 per day, and the use of child labour, who often experience physical and sexual abuse. There are also issues with the spread of diseases due to poor sanitation and living conditions. However, it is important to note that the diamond industry has made efforts to improve these issues, with the creation of the Kimberley Process in 2003, which aims to regulate the trade of natural diamonds and prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.

Energy usage and renewable sources

Energy usage is a significant factor in the environmental impact of lab-grown diamonds. The process of creating these diamonds is energy-intensive, requiring constant energy to maintain the high temperatures and pressures necessary for diamond growth. The amount of energy consumed varies, with some sources estimating 250-750 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per carat, while others claim 80 kWh per carat. De Beers, a prominent diamond producer, falls within the lower range, reporting 80 kWh per carat for their operations. However, this figure may not account for energy expenditures in exploration and transportation.

The primary concern surrounding energy usage in lab-grown diamond production is the reliance on non-renewable energy sources, particularly coal. Over 60% of lab-grown diamonds originate from China and India, where coal is the dominant energy source. This dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation results in higher greenhouse gas emissions per carat of lab-grown diamond. The use of fossil fuels in production contradicts the perception of lab-grown diamonds as a more sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.

In contrast, some lab-grown diamond producers are transitioning to renewable energy sources. Companies like Greenlab Diamonds in India utilize solar energy in their manufacturing processes. Additionally, certain companies are not only using renewable energy but also capturing CO2 from the atmosphere to enhance the sustainability of their operations. This shift towards renewables is a response to the call for reduced energy consumption and a more eco-friendly production process.

While the use of renewable energy in lab-grown diamond production is a positive step, the overall energy usage and choice of energy sources vary across the industry. The lack of transparency among major manufacturers makes it challenging to fully assess the sustainability of lab-grown diamonds. Consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases should consider opting for diamonds produced using 100% renewable energy to minimize their jewelry's environmental footprint.

Water usage and waste production

Mining diamonds produces significantly more waste than growing lab diamonds. A study by Frost & Sullivan found that mining diamonds creates 4,383 times more waste than lab-grown diamonds. The same study also revealed that diamond mining uses 6.8 times as much water. The large walls of waste that accumulate around mining sites, called tailings dams, remain long after mining activities have ceased. These tailings dams can collapse, leading to tragic consequences, as seen in South Africa.

Mining activities produce substantial waste, including tailings, which are rock debris left after extracting the diamond. The process of separating diamonds from surrounding rock and soil requires extensive water usage, with up to 127 gallons of water needed per carat. This water usage contributes to the constant discharge of wastewater and pollutants into surface water bodies.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds generate minimal waste and have significantly lower water usage. Labs do not require large-scale water displacement or the management of toxic tailings, which are by-products of mining operations. The waste produced in labs is recycled and disposed of using environmentally friendly methods.

The production of lab-grown diamonds, particularly through Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) methods, is energy-intensive and often relies on significant electricity, which may be sourced from fossil fuels. However, carbon-neutral lab-grown diamonds are available from select jewellers, created with green energy and offset practices for a net-zero carbon footprint.

Overall, lab-grown diamonds offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds in terms of waste production and water usage, contributing to a greener lifestyle.

Ethical issues and social impact

The natural diamond industry has been under scrutiny for its environmental and social impact. The process of mining diamonds has been associated with issues such as deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, carbon emissions, land erosion, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The release of chemicals during mining pollutes the air and contaminates water bodies. Diamond mining also has an impact on water resources, air quality, wildlife, soil quality, and climate change considerations.

The social and ethical issues associated with natural diamond mining include conflicts funded by diamonds, child labour, exploitation of the workforce, and human rights abuses. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was introduced in 2003 to regulate the trade of natural diamonds and prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. However, the convoluted supply chain of mined diamonds makes it challenging to ensure that they are conflict-free.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in a controlled laboratory environment using more sustainable and eco-friendly methods. They do not require large-scale excavations, reducing the environmental impact and the social and ethical issues associated with natural diamond mining. The production of lab-grown diamonds offers skilled jobs in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, providing opportunities for high-quality employment.

However, the process of creating lab-grown diamonds still consumes a significant amount of energy, and the environmental impact can vary depending on the energy sources used. Some critics argue that the marketing of lab-grown diamonds as "ethical" or "eco-friendly" is misleading, especially if the energy used in the production process is primarily from non-renewable sources. The use of chemicals and water for cooling in the laboratory setting is also a factor to consider.

Overall, while lab-grown diamonds may have a lower environmental impact than natural diamonds, it is important to consider the energy sources and industrial processes involved in their production. The choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds depends on personal preferences, values, and the desire to minimise one's carbon footprint.

Frequently asked questions