The Sunday Mail
Beneficiation initiatives ensure the growth of business activities catalysed by the diamond industry, which add value to the economies of diamond producing countries.These programmes include diamond sorting, valuing, cutting, polishing, marketing and retailing.
De Beers beneficiation strategy has brought ancillary economic and social benefits to Botswana.
Beneficiation is a process that requires co-operation from all parties – from governments creating a secure, enabling business environment, diamond producers providing local access to appropriate rough diamonds, and the stakeholders’ commitments to job creation, skills transfer and in-country operations.
DTC Botswana is the most sophisticated diamond sorting and valuing centre in the world. Diamonds are cut and polished in Gaborone, Botswana.
Key achievements include:
The creation of thousands of skilled jobs through the establishment of joint venture operations in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
In Botswana, for example, 3 200 manufacturing jobs have been created since 2007, and 21 locally-based Sightholders have been established.
Extremely high localisation of the employee base, well over 90 percent of the staff in De Beers’ offices are African nationals.
Continuing introduction of the latest diamond-related technologies.
As a result, DTC Botswana is the most advanced diamond sorting and valuing operation in the world.
Skills development of local employees in areas such as account management and the operation and maintenance of advanced diamond technology
The Shining Light Diamond Design Awards in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
The awards programme stimulates the local jewellery design industry and strengthens the image of diamond jewellery as African products. – DeBeers website/Extra reporter
