Diamond Drop
Introduction
One of the many legal runs that you can do on the island of Altis is diamond mining. Diamonds are a mineral that is found in the ground and can be processed into and sold as cut gems. This is a good “mid-game” run as its payout is the fourth-highest of all the legal runs and enough for medium to large scale operations that can be increased with possession of a Worker’s Protection License.
Starting the Run
Before starting this run, it is strongly recommended to check the price of salt for optimal profits and to follow the list below to make sure you have all the required equipment.
- A pickaxe (Purchased at gas stations/markets) Required for collecting Diamonds
- Food & Water
- Bergen Backpack to store Diamonds
- A vehicle to store the Diamonds
- Diamond processing license ($35,000 at the DMV)
Processing
Once you arrive at the processor you will see a factory building. There are many hiding spots around and inside the building so looking around before processing is always recommended to find any potential robbers. You will want to use the building's stone pillars and nearby equipment in order to conceal your presence from anybody approaching. You can process diamonds by filling your inventory with the unprocessed product and using your scroll wheel to activate the menu on the processing machinery. Players and vehicles must remain within 25m of the NPC in order for processing to be complete. You will be extremely vulnerable while you are processing so keep your guard up of your surroundings so as to not fall prey to rebels looking for a payday. Fortunately, there is a bonus for processing that will incrementally give you faster progress as you process more diamonds if you possess a Worker’s Protection License.
Selling
Once you are done processing you will proceed directly east to the town of Paros where you will find the trader in a block of shops on the northwest side of town. You will be covered by the nearby buildings as you sell but still do so as quickly as possible. After you have your payout, you can make your way directly south to the ATM that lies in the center of town.
Payout
Using a box truck with no storage upgrades and a bergen backpack (210 cut diamonds) will yield a payout of $444,780 (WPL: $511,497)
Run Time
Using a box truck with no storage upgrades, bergen backpack, and Tier-4 turbo this run will take 28 minutes and 30 seconds With a workers protection license to increase processing, it will take 23-25 minutes.