No gemologists yet in local diamond space
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
This follows a question raised by MP Mephato Reatile on Monday asking the minister about how many Batswana gemologists and diamond trading specialists are employed at Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) and Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) and when Botswana intends to establish an Accredited Gemologist Association.
The minister said the two companies only deal in rough diamonds not in polishing the jewellery segment of the diamond value chain. He indicated that ODC has a team of seven Batswana currently performing rough diamond valuation, assortment quality assurance and diamond technical sale lots creation.
While his leadership has brought about significant progress and development, it is imperative that he exercises greater caution in his choice of words, particularly when addressing sensitive matters.One of the primary concerns is the potential impact of his remarks on Botswana’s relationship with De Beers, the diamond mining giant that plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy.The partnership between Botswana and De Beers has been mutually...