Barbara Scott Smith

Barbara has over 40 years of experience in the diamond industry. After completing her PhD, she worked as a Principal Research Mineralogist on diamond-related ventures for the De Beers Kimberlite Petrology Unit in South Africa. Since 1982, she has been based in Canada as an independent consultant offering specialist services in applied kimberlite geology relating to world-wide diamond exploration and mining projects in particular during the emergence of the Canadian diamond industry. Barbara has been responsible for training industry geologists, senior management and academics on kimberlite geology and emplacement throughout her career including leading the De Beers Canada Kimberlite Petrology Unit and as Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia. More recently she shares her experience and expertise through Scott-Smith Petrology Inc. which now offers unique opportunities to learn about kimberlites. She has worked on kimberlites and related rocks in 25 countries and has authored many publications including over 45 peer reviewed papers. Barbara co-convened the 8th, 11th and 12th International Kimberlite Conferences in 2003, 2017 and 2024 as well as the 2006 International Workshop on Kimberlite Emplacement. She is the 2009 recipient of the Hugo Dummett Diamond Award for excellence in diamond exploration and development and the 2014 Duncan R. Derry Medal for economic geology.