Diamond sales register robust 2017 start

De Beers' first sight was held in Gaborone last week
De Beers' first sight was held in Gaborone last week

Rough diamond sales have registered a strong start to the year buoying fiscal authorities that get about 50% of annual revenues from diamonds sales.

At the first sight of the year held in Gaborone last week, De Beers reported strong improvement with sales fetching  $720m (P7.6 billion) in what is normally one of its strongest demand period.

A year ago, De Beers, 15% owned by government of Botswana, generated $545m from its sales to about 80 handpicked clients called sightholders and through auctions.

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