Element Six Says No Deal Yet on U.S. Diamond Factory

In response to a Reuters report earlier this week, Element Six tells JCK that no deal has been signed to build a synthetic-diamond plant in the United States funded by the Japanese government.

The Reuters story said Japan aims to finance a factory to manufacture synthetic diamonds in the United States, in conjunction with De Beers subsidiary Element Six. The proposed facility, which would manufacture diamonds for industrial purposes, is reportedly part of an agreement to lower U.S. tariffs on Japanese imports.

“The United States wants to accelerate domestic production of synthetic diamonds,” an unnamed source told Reuters. “By involving Japanese companies, Washington hopes to build a U.S.–Japan supply chain that does not rely on China.”

An Element Six spokesperson tells JCK: “We note that Element Six is referenced in connection with one of the potential projects mentioned in recent U.S./Japan trade discussions.

“As a leading producer of synthetic diamond and advanced materials for industrial applications, we recognize the critical role they play in enabling many industrial sectors. However, there are no formal agreements currently in place regarding any potential projects.”

Element Six already produces synthetic diamonds for tech applications, at a factory in Portland, Ore. That facility originally made lab-grown gems for De Beers’ now defunct Lightbox brand.

Top: A worker at Element Six’s factory in Portland (photo courtesy of De Beers)