The De Beers Group of Companies’ first international Sight in Gaborone, Botswana having completed successfully, it reflected an easy transition for Sightholders following the relocation from London, with all systems and processes running smoothly. The Sight concluded on November 14.

The new US$35 million state-of-the-art De Beers facility, which was completed ahead of schedule and below budget, has been supported by investment in Gaborone airport by the Government of Botswana to improve entry for Sightholders. The relocation of international Sights to Gaborone highlights De Beers’ commitment to beneficiation and is a major milestone in the development of Botswana’s downstream diamond industry.

The Sight witnesses strong demand ahead of the end of year selling season. Leading buyers from major global diamond centres such as Mumbai, Tel Aviv, Antwerp and New York arrived in Botswana throughout the week, with Sightholders voicing their approval of the facilities established in Gaborone.

Nigel Simson, Senior Vice President of Sightholder Services for De Beers Global Sightholder Sales said: “We and our partners in Government have worked extremely hard to make this a success and I am very proud of what we have achieved. There was a real buzz of excitement on the Sight floor and we are delighted to have had such a positive response from Sightholders. We will continue to seek improvements as we focus on establishing Botswana, and the broader southern African region, as one of the world’s major diamond hubs”.