Botswana Introduces Mandatory 24% Local Stake in New Mining Concessions to Boost Local Investment and Value Addition Botswana has implemented a new regulation requiring mining companies to allocate a 24% ownership stake in all new concessions to local investors if the government opts not to purchase the shares itself, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy announced on Friday. The rule, which officially came into effect on October 1, marks a significant shift in Botswana’s mining
Diamond Veteran Martyn Charles Marriott Calls for ‘OPEC-Style’ Alliance as Botswana and Angola Seek Greater Stakes in De Beers As Botswana seeks a larger stake in De Beers and Angola signals similar ambitions, diamond industry veteran Martyn Charles Marriott says this moment could be an opportunity to restore the collaboration and discipline that once defined the global diamond trade. In a commentary published on the International Diamond Manufacturers website, Marriott cautioned Botswana against pursuing an
De Beers Executive Feriel Zerouki Resigns After Two Decades, Leaving Legacy of Ethics and Transparency in Diamond Industry Feriel Zerouki will step down as De Beers Group’s Chief Trade and Industry Officer and member of the executive committee at the end of October, the diamond company announced. Zerouki joined De Beers in 2005 and has played a central role in shaping the miner’s leadership in ethics, provenance, and industry integrity over her nearly two decades
SODIAM Raises $16.9 Million in 15th Electronic Rough Diamond Auction The Angolan National Diamond Trading Company (SODIAM) announced the successful sale of 36 special rough diamonds, generating a total net value of US$16.9 million at its 15th electronic auction held on Wednesday. The diamonds were produced by leading mining companies, including SOMILUANA, Lulo, Kaixepa, Mussende, Chitotolo, Calonda, and Catoca, and comprised a total of 1,529.8 carats. The auction results exceeded expectations by 9.14%, reflecting strong
Botswana Closes in on Duty-Free Diamond Trade Agreement with U.S. Amid Tariff Pressures Botswana is close to securing an agreement with the United States that would allow its diamonds to be imported duty-free — a potential economic lifeline for the landlocked nation as it faces mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs that have strained its diamond-dependent economy. Speaking to the BBC about the ongoing trade discussions, President Duma Boko stated, “The negotiations are in an advanced
Angola’s Sodiam to Hold Online Auction of 36 Specialty Diamonds in October 2025 The Angolan state-owned diamond trading company, Sodiam, has announced an electronic auction of 36 specialty diamonds, each weighing 10.80 carats or more. The auction will be held in collaboration with TRANS ATLANTIC GEM SALES, targeting customers registered in Sodiam’s database who have expertise in trading specialty stones. According to Sodiam’s official press release, viewing sessions for the diamonds will take place from
Angola’s Endiama Reports $1.1B Revenue from 10.6M Carats of Diamonds in H1 2025 Angola’s state-owned diamond company, Endiama, recorded revenue exceeding $1.1 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by the sale of 10.6 million carats of diamonds. The performance surpassed forecasts by 1.2%, according to company officials. The announcement was made during Endiama’s semiannual diamond production review meeting held in Dundo, Lunda Norte Province. Elton Escrivão, Director of Marketing for Endiama, emphasized the
Namibia Considers De Beers Stake as Diamond Prices Decline and Industry Faces Challenges Namibia will carefully assess whether to acquire a stake in De Beers as the global diamond market faces a prolonged slump, local media reported on Monday, citing the country’s Deputy Prime Minister. Anglo American, De Beers’ parent company, announced on September 9 that it is selling the diamond giant as part of a portfolio restructuring to focus on copper and iron ore.
Rio Tinto Launches ‘Into the Light’ Tender Featuring Last Pink, Red, Violet, Yellow and White Diamonds Rio Tinto has announced the launch of its final Beyond Rare tender, offering an exclusive selection of pink, red, violet, yellow, and white diamonds sourced from its Canadian and Australian operations. The tender, titled “Into the Light,” features 52 lots weighing a total of 45.44 carats. This edition marks the conclusion of the company’s celebrated Art Series, following the
IMF Botswana Report Highlights Diamond Sector Challenges and Urgent Need for Economic Diversification The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded its annual Article IV consultation for Botswana, revealing that the country’s diamond sector is significantly slowing economic growth. After expanding by 3.2% in 2023, Botswana’s economy contracted by 3% in 2024, largely due to challenges in the diamond industry, including competition from lab-grown diamonds and reduced demand from China. The IMF forecasts Botswana’s GDP will
