![A diamond miner takes a break after laboring in one of the Kono diamond mines.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080924140920im_/http://www.usaid.gov/stories/images/cs_sierraleone_diamond.jpg)
Photo: Laura Lartigue
A diamond miner takes a break after laboring in one of the Kono diamond mines
By monitoring diamond royalties and fees, informing miners of stone values, and creating public awareness of diamond mining issues, PDA is turning what was once a liability into an asset for the people of Sierra Leone.
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By end of 2002, legal exports climbed to $42 million, and over $70 million in 2003, allowing substantial revenue from diamond sales to go back into Sierra Leone – a first step in helping the world’s poorest country to help itself rebuild after the war. For the first time, local mining communities have benefited by receiving a portion of the tax revenues from the increase in diamond exports, with funds specifically allocated to serve community needs by building public structures, markets and schools. Proceeds to mining communities reached $312,000 in 2002, and over $500,000 by the end of 2003.
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