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De Beers’ sales reach P6.7bn

Shining bright: De Beers sales ticked up at its last auction held in Gaborone. The diamond giant is engaged in talks with the Government of Botswana for a new sales agreement and renewal of its mining licences. Botswana producers two-thirds of De Beers' annual rough diamond output
Shining bright: De Beers sales ticked up at its last auction held in Gaborone. The diamond giant is engaged in talks with the Government of Botswana for a new sales agreement and renewal of its mining licences. Botswana producers two-thirds of De Beers' annual rough diamond output

De Beers recently sold an estimated $495 million (P6.7bn) of rough diamonds in its second auction of the year, a nine percent increase on the first auction held in January.

The performance for the second auction of the year is however 24% lower than the values sold at the corresponding auction last year, a trend that largely reflects stronger than average pricing and demand last year. New CEO, Al Cook said demand continued steadily for rough diamonds in line with the group’s expectations for sales as the year progresses.

He added that De Beers was aware that sightholders, the exclusive list of buyers contracted for De Beers’ auctions, planned more of their purchases for later in 2023, given the economic uncertainty when they were taking their planning decisions at the end of 2022.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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