Sierra Leone: Dangers Dealing in Diamonds

Jun 16, 2014 | Brad Thompson, The West Australian
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Perth businessman Cyril D'Silva has a rare insight into diamonds, danger and doing business in Sierra Leone.

He has just taken delivery of the first cut diamonds produced by Golden Saint Resources from its exploration licences in the African nation, which is reeling from an outbreak of the deadly ebola virus.

The diamonds - 76 carats worth $300,000 - represent a small but fast start for the company, which listed on London's AIM market in July.

The Golden Saint executive chairman admitted the company's Perth head office in the old Solid Gold showrooms in the Hay Street Mall were a world away from Sierra Leone, where many in the diamond trade are surrounded by heavily armed bodyguards.