Rio Tinto’s Antwerp based sales and marketing organization announced Tuesday its intention to work with its customers to ensure they are certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council by 2011.

The majority of Rio Tinto’s diamonds are cut and polished in India where Rio Tinto launched its BEM initiative in 2003. The BEM provided assurance to potential customers or business partners that the manufacturing unit met appropriate international standards, and that its diamonds had been ethically sourced.

In the wake of the implementation of RJC Code of Practices, the BEM in its current form will be discontinued. Past involvement in the BEM will be invaluable for customers as they transition to the RJC model.

JCK