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Antwerp Diamond Centre is to release a stalled shipment of gems worth $200 million.

Some $200 million (£128.5 million) worth of diamonds has been released by a regulatory body in Belgium after a trading organisation lost its license.

According to Israeli Diamond Industry, the shipment of rough diamonds was seized because Brink, the organisation managing the transfer, had to commence bankruptcy proceedings for its Cash in Transit company earlier in November, with its license to trade revoked as a result.

The stones were held at Zaventem Airport under the authority of the Antwerp Diamond Centre (AWDC), an international regulatory body for the industry, after it raised financial concerns over the issue.

An open letter from the AWDC stated that the stalled shipment paralysed the distribution chain of rough gems, causing a great deal of damage to the sector, adding "Antwerp cannot be held hostage in this conflict any longer."

Last week, two rough diamonds mined in Lesotho, southern Africa were sold for $22.7 million, while a 4.68-carat rough blue diamond went for $4155,000 per carat – a record value for a gemstone from that site.

South African president Jacob Zuma has called on diamond firms to consider expanding their operations into the country.
During a speech at a dinner organised by the Antwerp World Diamond Center, Mr Zuma outlined the benefits of South Africa as an investment destination.

"Despite considerable diversification of our economy in the recent past, the mining sector remains a key variable in our economic growth equation," he told attendees, adding mining in South Africa has been "the foundation of economic development" in the country for over half a century.

The president pointed to the recent success of the 2010 Fifa World Cup held by the nation, stating it shows South Africa is able to "deliver on its undertakings".

And he noted there may be long-term benefits for diamond companies that choose South Africa, as estimates indicate its mineral resources can be exploited for at least another century.

Also speaking at the event was president of the AWDC Nishit Parikh, who noted Antwerp and South Africa share an annual bilateral diamond trade volume valued at over £600 million.