Now after a decision to lay off 776 workers, Lev Leviev Diamonds (LLD) Namibia polishing factory has a workforce of around 30 people. Reduced numbers of inventories are not allowing the factory to utilise its full operational potential.

The factory when established in 2002, had a capacity to employ 550 people at full capacity, but its operations have always been challenged by odds since its inception. It was planned that the factory would receive diamonds from its sister marine company for polishing, but this failed as the diamonds were too small to polish. Also, the 4,000 carats per month currently being supplied by Namdeb ( a JV between De Beers and Namibia) did not exploit the factory’s full capacity, accounted due to the failing economy and subsequently reduced diamond production.

The factory may revive back to its full worth once the market stabalises and the diamond mining and production activities regularise.