Sierra Leone’s diamond exports jumped 25% from May to June 2011, figures published by the nation’s central bank indicate.



In June, Sierra Leone exported 41,880 carats of rough diamonds compared to 33,450 carats the previous month. Total diamond exports from January to June 2011 stood at 204,890 carats.



The country’s gold exports were also up, increasing from 549,790 ounces in May to 551,500 ounces in June.



In 2010, Sierra Leone produced a total of 437,516 carats of diamonds worth over $106 million – an average per-carat value of $242.42.