In its heydays, De Beers, which is responsible for discovering 40% of all the planet’s known diamond-bearing rocks in history, was exploring in 20 countries, spending $100 million annually. However, in recent years, it trimmed its search down to countries where it already had mining operations, including Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Canada.
Ahead of the general elections, De Beers’ statements about exploration in Angola were viewed by some social media commentators as a form of a snub of Botswana in preference for the formerly war-torn country where diamond exploration has long been stymied by conflict.
