Diamond Trading Company Botswana Announces Provisional Sightholder List
19-12-2011

Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) has announced the provisional qualification of 21 Sightholders for the new Supplier of Choice contract period commencing 31st March 2012.

A total of 16 current Sightholders have again qualified for supply contracts and will be joined by 5 new entrants, which will become DTC Botswana Sightholders for the first time, subject to successful compliance with any Government licensing requirements. Alongside this new contract, 66 Sightholders have also qualified to receive supply in London, 10 in South Africa, 13 in Namibia and 2 in respect of Canadian goods.

DTC Botswana is proud of the progress that the industry has made to date in Botswana and is fully committed to fulfilling the promise of the ‘Diamond Decade’. In a renewed commitment to the local industry and beneficiation, sales for local manufacturing will be increasing through the new contract period. This is in line with the agreements between the De Beers Group of Companies and the Government of Botswana to further catalyse growth in the local industry with continued creation of jobs, increased local processing of rough diamonds, and the transfer of both technology and skills to Botswana.

Prior to confirming the offer of a DTCB supply contract, all newly qualified applicants will have their applications verified by a third party and, at DTCB’s discretion, many returning Sightholders applications will also be verified. Brian McDonald, Managing Director of DTC Botswana, said: “DTC Botswana is incredibly committed to partnering with its Sightholders to drive demand for diamonds and support the growth of a sustainable diamond manufacturing industry in Botswana. All the qualifying applicants represent leading diamantaires who have demonstrated a passion for adding real value to the rough we sell thus further enhancing the position of diamonds as the world’s leading luxury product. We are confident that, together with our Sightholder partners, we will build a ‘Diamond Decade’ based upon market leading skills, investment and innovation’’

For further information, please contact:

Marcus ter Haar
Head of Sales
Landline: 3649328
Mobile 71216196
Email: mterhaar@dtcb.co.bw
www.dtcbotswana.com

or

Kago Mmopi
Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Manager
Landline: 3649270
Mobile: 71338157
Email: kmmopi@dtcb.co.bw
www.dtcbotswana.com

Notes to editor

Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB)

Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTC Botswana) is a 50/50 Joint Venture partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers. It is the world’s largest and most sophisticated rough diamond sorting and valuing operation.

In addition to sorting and valuing, DTC Botswana has a Sales and Marketing function which is responsible for local sales of aggregated diamonds. Aggregation refers to a process of blending together and preparation for sale of diamonds from various producer countries. This process will guarantee our clients of a consistent supply of their desired diamonds as well as generate more value and benefits to the country.