The mining sector recorded an improved year-on-year growth of minus 0.3% during the first quarter of 2018, its highest since Q1 2015. The improved growth is attributable to the effect of the BCL mine closure in October 2016 dropping out of the y-o-y growth calculations. On the other hand, the global demand for rough diamonds has showed positive signs and De Beers Global Sightholder Sales (DBGSS) recorded sales valued at USD1,235 million during the quarter.