Mmegi

Orapa powers Botswana diamond production

Old Faithful: Orapa was the country’s first diamond mine and continues to deliver PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Old Faithful: Orapa was the country’s first diamond mine and continues to deliver PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) continue to underpin the country’s diamond production capacity and the social impact of the activities, despite the pressures the sector is facing.

OLDM General Manager, Mogakolodi Maoketsa, said the industry has been challenged by the increasing appeal of synthetic diamonds, higher extraction costs, and slower economic growth in major markets.

“People are buying synthetic diamonds at lower prices, and the global economy is struggling. That is why our sales have dropped,” he said.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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