18 Jun 2018

 A total of 199 companies were granted licences that allowed them to carry-out diamond sampling activities during the past 15 years.

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale told  Parliament on June 14 that 198  were currently operational.

Mr Molale said 2 477 carats were recovered at an estimated value of US$123 861, while 715 carats were recovered from the firestone samples at a value of US$35 790. 

On the other hand, Mr Molale said Debswana and Karowe mines conducted tests on their actual production diamonds, and not samples, to a combined amount of 3 463 carats valued at US$89 899.

Mr Molale further told Parliament that Debswana, Karowe and Monak venture companies used a number of laboratories.

Boteti East MP, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked Mr Molale to tell Parliament the status of diamond sampling and testing licences in Botswana.

He also wanted the minister to state the number of companies licensed to carry out diamond samples in Botswana for the past 15 years and if the companies still existed. 

Mr Lelatisistwe also wanted to know how many diamonds were recovered and the value realised through the sampling process.

He further wanted to know the value of samples from Debswana, Karowe Mine and Firestone in the past five years as well as laboratories used by the companies and regulations in place to prevent theft of diamonds during sampling. ENDS