22 Feb 2017

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Advocate Sadique Kebonang said there are no recorded losses of diamond samples in the last five years. Advocate Kebonang told Parliament on Tuesday that out of the total carats of 2, 988.36 of diamonds that were exported, 836,23 carats have been returned.

He mentioned that ‘the remaining 2,152.13 carats are being used for research and testing purposes’, adding that they would be returned once research projects and tests have been completed. Advocate Kebonang further explained that samples of diamonds taken outside the country for testing are authorised by Department of Mines and Diamond Hub.

He further clarified that the Department of Mines issues a permit and Diamond Hub issues a Kimberly Process certificate, to accompany the rough diamonds. Minister Kebonang also pointed out that the permit normally states that the goods have to be returned back to Botswana and that ‘there is a form that is filled when the goods are returned.’

Meanwhile the minister said the total carats of samples exported is 2, 988.36. while the total value of samples exported is USD 74, 986.32 Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had wanted to know what happens to diamond samples that are taken outside the country for testing.

MP Mmolotsi also wanted to know the quantity of diamonds the country has lost through the practice in the last five years. He further wanted the minister to state the total cost of those diamonds.