Govt revenues face drop as De Beers� sales plunge

Government revenues are likely to dip as De Beers rough diamond sales by volume fell 26 percent year-on-year to 14 million carats in the first half of 2015.

De Beers, which gets about 75 percent of its output from Botswana mines, pays government of Botswana 80 cents out of every dollar derived from Debswana revenues. According to figures released yesterday by the parent company, Anglo American production fell six percent to 7.96 million carats in the second quarter and by three percent to 15.63 million carats in the first half of the year.

 The lower output is in line with De Beers’ strategy to lower supply and maintain steady prices.

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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