GIA makes further strides in Gaborone with lab and education facility

Industry leaders gather at the opening of the facility
Image Courtesy: GIA
Image Courtesy: GIA

GIA has expanded its lab and education facility in Gaborone, Botswana. This facility opened on January 19th, supports GIA’s continued beneficiation efforts by bringing value-added services to gem-producing countries. The opening was attended by gem and jewelry industry leaders and top government officials – including U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana Earl R. Miller and Botswana’s Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Kitso Mokaila.

“Botswana plays a significant role in the diamond industry as one of the largest producing countries – both by value and volume,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “Much of the benefit of that diamond production comes from Botswana’s forward-thinking decision to participate in every possible step of the value chain. It is a great source of pride for me and for everyone at GIA that we have had the opportunity to support this ongoing effort.”

The expansion includes more classroom space and supports GIA in advancing its goal of making Gaborone the destination for industry-leading gemological education in Africa. GIA established a diamond grading laboratory in Botswana in 2008 to better serve clients and the trade near where they operate. Today, GIA employs 95 people in Gaborone, including 65 that have been trained by GIA as diamond graders.


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