The firms' announcement is in reaction to criticism levelled against the Kimberley Process by civic groups this week that the omission of cutting and polishing firms from the Process has created a loophole in the struggle against illicit diamond trading worldwide.
The cutting and polishing firms are an integral component of the diamond trade, receiving rough diamonds from producers for manufacture and in many cases, retail. However, the Kimberley Process (KP) established in 2000 does not include cutting and polishing firms in its aegis. Presently, the KP is limited to states, regional economic integration organisations, civic groups and diamond industry organisations. This week, the Chairman of the Botswana Diamond Manufacturers Association (BDMA) Mervin Lifshitz told Mmegi that local diamond manufacturers were willing to participate in any initiative that would enhance the KP's objectives. The BDMA represents the 16 diamond manufacturers present in Botswana."We would endorse any process that is put in place that would ensure that the Kimberley Process is adhered to," Lifshitz said. "If KP members come up with a process or initiative to enhance adherence to the Process, we would endorse that. At the moment, operating as diamond manufacturers in Botswana makes us part of the KP, but we are not contributors in any way; that role is played by the government."Lifshitz's comments come as KP workgroups meet in Namibia this week to review global efforts to stamp out illegal diamond trading. The BDMA and its members are not represented at the meeting, while the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Minerals), Jacob Thamage and other Minerals senior officials are in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, for the meeting.
