Botswana seeks collaboration with Russia's diamond industry

The news agency cited Nchidzi Mmolawa, director of mineral affairs in Botswana's Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources saying that the two countries "need to work closely in diamond mining and to sign the necessary agreements."

"We'd like to see Russian companies involved in exploration, and activity on the part not just of ALROSA but of other companies, too," he added. The two countries are the world's two largest diamond producers with Botswana topping the list when measured by value and Russia being the biggest by volume. ALROSA contributes an estimated 97 percent of Russia's total production.