Final answer:
Diamond deposits are primarily found in regions with kimberlite pipes on ancient continental cratons, with major production controlled by DeBeers in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Canada. The Southern African region is rich in minerals and has potential for economic growth. The distribution of diamonds has geological links to the ancient supercontinents like Gondwana.
Step-by-step explanation:
The global distribution of diamond deposits is concentrated geographically in certain regions due to the geological processes that create diamonds. The majority of diamonds are extracted from kimberlite pipes which are present in areas of ancient continental cratons. DeBeers, a multinational company, plays a significant role in the diamond industry. It has mining and production operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Canada, with exploration activities spanning four continents. Despite growing competition, DeBeers maintains a significant impact on the rough diamond market. The Southern African region, in particular, boasts a vast wealth of mineral resources with a belt extending from Angola's oil fields through the diamond-mining regions and into Zambia's Copper Belt, including the Great D-yke in Zimbabwe, continuing into the Bushveld basin in South Africa. This abundance in mineral resources provides potential for economic growth, though not always equitably distributed among the populace.
In terms of biogeography, the distribution of diamond reserves aligns with the tectonic activity that has shaped the planet over millions of years. Ancient supercontinents such as Gondwana and Laurasia play a role in the localization of certain minerals, including diamonds.