The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism through the Department of National Museum and Monuments on 27th March 2018 hosted the Unveiling of Columnar Joints at the Tropic of Capricorn as well as the Unveiling of Elephant Sculpture at Kasane Airport on the 28th March 2018. The unveiling events will both be conducted by the President of the Republic of Botswana Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama at 1130hrs on each date. The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the three imaginary lines along with the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator which are believed to cut…
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Global imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will set a new record this year on the back of 7.2% growth, according to new research. A further surge in demand to 2030 will be driven by environmental measures in China, rising power generation in South and Southeast Asia, and a reduction in domestic gas production in Europe. Global LNG Outlook 2018, the latest forecast from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), shows that LNG demand will reach 305MMtpa this year, up from 285MMtpa in 2017. Although this represents a strong expansion, it will be down from the 9.6% rate seen between 2016…
De Beers Group has announced that its Forevermark diamond brand will enter the German market for the first time after signing with an exclusive licensee partner, and is in advanced-stage discussions with potential partners in France and Italy. The expansion into new European markets comes on the back of successful global performance throughout 2017 and in 2018 to date. In Germany, Forevermark is partnering with Heinz Mayer, an Idar-Oberstein-based diamond jewellery specialist. Heinz Mayer will launch the Forevermark collection to the German jewellery retail trade at the Baselworld trade fair, at Stand F10 Hall 2:1, presenting the opportunity for luxury…
Wilderness Safaris, in collaboration with Birdlife Botswana, is set to host a celebration of birdlife taking wing on the 3rd of April 2018 in Botswana’s beautiful Okavango Delta. For the 10th year in a row, birding enthusiasts will get a chance to marvel at the array of species that the Okavango Delta has to offer. During this day, both Wilderness Safaris’ guests and staff will compete in the annual Big Birding Day competition for exciting prizes by counting as many different bird species they can. Exclusively tailored for the Botswana market, Wilderness Safaris’ bird competition is set to thrill. With…
De Beers Group says it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its partner in the Gahcho Kué mine, Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (Mountain Province). De Beers The MoU contemplates incorporating properties owned by Kennady Diamonds Inc. (Kennady Diamonds) into the Gahcho Kué joint venture, in the event that Mountain Province’s proposed acquisition of Kennady Diamonds is approved. Mountain Province and De Beers will now work towards a definitive agreement based on the MoU. Kim Truter, Chief Executive – Canada, De Beers Group, said: “We have been very pleased with the progress of our partnership with Mountain Province…
State-owned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) performed exceptionally well in the past two years, parliament has been told. The minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Sadique Kebonang said the year 2017 was a very good year for ODC. The company sold 3.4million carats of rough diamonds worth about US$ 566 million compared to 3 million that was sold for about US$480 million in 2016 representing an increase of 18%. “In 2015 ODC sold 3.2million carats of rough diamonds for about US$ 300 million, 2017 is their best year by far since its establishment in 2013.” The minister said Botswana remains the…
Giyani Metals Corporation has announced the appointment of Kneipe Setlhare as country manager. He will be based out of Giyani’s new regional office in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. As Giyani’s country manager in Botswana, Setlhare will ensure that the Company meets all requirements to maintain compliance with government regulations, obtain necessary approvals in a timely manner, and manage local third party contractors. Additionally, Setlhare will supervise the development of the Company’s Kanye manganese project, including the upcoming field program, and manage relationships with the local communities. Kneipe Setlhare graduated from the University of Botswana and is a mining…
Gem Diamonds Limited has announced that the exceptional quality 910 carat D colour Type IIa diamond recovered from the Letšeng mine in January 2018 achieved a price of US$40 million on tender in Antwerp on 12 March, 2018. Reflecting its significance, the diamond, which is the fifth largest gem quality diamond ever recovered, has been named The Lesotho Legend. Clifford Elphick, Gem Diamonds’ Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are delighted with the outcome of the sale of this iconic diamond, which demonstrates the exceptional quality of The Lesotho Legend itself, as well as reaffirming the unique quality of the Letšeng diamond production.” The…
Botswana Diamonds (BOD) said drilling has commenced at the Ontevreden kimberlite pipe, which is part of the Company’s Vutomi Joint Venture in South Africa. The company noted that initial five hole drilling programme has commenced on the Ontevreden kimberlite pipe to ascertain diamond content with the kimberlite containing abundant key diamond indicators, typically seen in high-grade kimberlite pipes. John Teeling, Chairman, commented, “We are pleased to announce the commencement of drilling at the Ontevreden kimberlite pipe. We know that the pipe contains significant quantities of G10 and G9 garnets – high quality diamond indicator minerals frequently found in high-grade kimberlite pipes. The…
Diamond market sentiment was positive in February, with steady dealer trading, though allegations of a major bank fraud involving two Indian jewellery companies dampened the mood. Polished prices firmed, following a better-than-expected US holiday season and renewed optimism in China. Traders focused on the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, which saw better deals before the event than during it. Buyers have adapted to higher price levels. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat diamonds increased 0.7% in February. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds rose 4.5%, while RAPI for 0.50-carat stones advanced 1.8%. RAPI for 3-carat diamonds slid 0.1%…