De Beers eyes output rebound in 2021

The luxury gemstone giant, which traditionally adopts a ‘cautiously optimistic’ approach to production targets, says the planned output this year is subject to trading conditions, the extent of further COVID-19 related disruptions and ongoing operational challenges.

Briefing the media on the group’s 2020 results last week, executive vice-president diamond trading, Paul Rowley said they forecast higher production would be driven by an expected increase in ore and improved grade performance at both Jwaneng and Venetia (South Africa).