Botswana makes historic large stones recoveries in 2021 • Debswana, Lucara mines recover historic gems Strides Writer
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otswana, long a major supplier of diamonds to the global markets, is positioning itself as an international diamond hub after big diamonds recovered by Debswana and Lucara mines respectively. Lucara Diamond Corporation recovered the 1 174 carat diamond from the Karowe mine and it represents the third +1000 carat gem recovered from the South Lobe of the AK6 Kimberlite since 2005. Debswana Diamond Company, a 50/50 partnership between Government of Botswana and De Beers Group also discovered a rare 1 098 carat diamond at its lucrative rich diamond Jwaneng Mine. According to the mine, the 1 098 carat diamond is the largest diamond discovered in Debswana’s history and one of the largest known discoveries of a gem-quality diamond anywhere in the world. Debswana said diamond discoveries at Jwaneng and Orapa Mines have earned Botswana a reputation as a global success story in transforming finite resources below ground into infinite opportunities above ground. The massive diamonds discovery by Debswana and Lucara according to experts is a great step in enhancing Botswana’s competitiveness in the global diamond value chain as it boosts her image. Local Economist Mosimane Rammika has said that the diamonds will do
encourage the growth and development of the downstream diamond industry in Botswana by attracting the investors. “Botswana is without doubt stamping her authority in the global markets value chain and will also dictate the quality of the diamonds. The Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the local mining streams but the discovery of carats of this magnitude indicates that the industry is poised for good recovery in 2021. It is important for the country to create more necessary jobs the diamonds,” said Rammika stressing that economic diversification is still key away from diamonds. Also, the relocation of the De Beers diamond sales functions from London to Gaborone was also viewed as good opportunity to solidify Botswana’s position as a distinguished global diamond centre. As a result, the Botswana Diamond Hub was then established which is intended to offering the world-class facilities and services in all aspects of the diamond industry, including the trading of rough and polished diamonds as well as cutting and polishing hence facilitates job creation locally too. Botswana through diamond hub welcomes diamond dealers, experts in the cutting and polishing, and providers of specialised services for vast diamond industry, such as banking and secure transport. A superlative diamond industry park located near the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Block 8 in the Strides Magazine
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capital Gaborone is expected to boost investor confidence in the local diamond industry. President Mokgweetsi Masisi during the appreciation ceremony of Debswana 1 098 carat stone said that government is committed to support the diamond industry in its efforts to grow economy. Masisi noted that Botswana is very committed to build its reputation as one the world admired mining destinations in Botswana adding that Debswana has placed the country on a global map. The Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2020 report has placed Botswana as the highest ranking country in Africa as far as attractive mining policies are concerned in Africa. Fraser mining survey has indicated that no country in Africa is rated before Botswana when it comes to boosting exploration in investment as per survey’s investment attractiveness index indicator.
