Govt lifts suspension on diamond cutting licences

A statement released by the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources says the suspension placed on new diamond and cutting licences will be lifted with effect from April 1, 2012.

"Guidelines on how to apply for a diamond cutting and polishing licences, together with licensing criteria, will be published on the ministry's and government websites," the statement reads. With the latest move, Botswana beats Namibia to the reopening of its diamond cutting and polishing sector. Namibia also suspended issuance of new licences in 2007, citing similar concerns to Botswana's.