Debswana output falls 16% on softer demand

According to figures published by Anglo American, the decline was largely propelled by a fourth quarter 21 percent production decrease to 4.7 million carats as a result of a reduction in tonnes treated at Jwaneng and Orapa. “The decline was consistent with the decision to reduce production in line with trading conditions. Damtshaa was placed on care and maintenance from January 2016,” said Anglo. Listed Anglo American owns 85 percent of De Beers, which in turn holds an equal joint shareholding in Debswana with the Botswana government. 

The reduced output at Debswana also pulled down De Beers’ output numbers in a year characterised by constrained diamond prices and demand.  In 2015, De Beers rough diamond sales slumped 40 percent to 20.6 million carats as market weakness and lower diamond manufacturing levels took their toll.