Sight box PIC By De Beers

De Beers says it has successfully completed its first international Sight in Gaborone, Botswana on Thursday 14th November, providing a seamless transition for Sightholders following the relocation from London, with all systems and processes running smoothly. Strong demand was also in evidence at the Sight ahead of the end of year selling season.

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.

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.

“I was surprised at the ease of doing business in Botswana, from the transit through the airport to the quality of the local amenities and the brand new De Beers offices. The Sight floor is better than how it was in London and I am impressed that De Beers and Botswana have got everything in place so quickly,”a major Indian Sightholder said:.

Nigel Simson, Senior Vice President of Sightholder Services for De Beers Global Sightholder Sales said they and our partners in Government have worked extremely hard to make this a success and he is 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”.