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Government continues to support growth of downstream diamond beneficiation

Government continues to support growth of downstream diamond beneficiation

(L-R) Namibia’s Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) CEO Shihaleni Ndjaba, Minister of Mines and Energy, Obeth Kandjoze and Chamber of Mines, CEO Veston Malango, this week ensured that the government will continue to play an active role in helping to create a conducive environment that will support sustainable growth of downstream diamond beneficiation when they launced the diamond hub at the Chamber of Mines, Mining Expo 2017.

Kandjoze at the launch commended the efforts made by the diamond sector to continue finding meaningful ways to create and strengthen effective collaboration among all players in the diamond sector.

“Downstream beneficiation can only be successful on the back of a successful tripartite partnership between the government, NDTC and the cutting and polishing industry,” he said.

According to him, although the concept of a diamond hub is not new to the diamond sector across the globe, it is, indeed, a new concept for the country. “ The diamond hub also provides adequate information to visitors about who does what and on the operations of the various diamond companies,” he added.

According to Kandjoze in creating the one-stop-shop, it demonstrates that there are collaborative ways and means among the players in the sector.

“Let us, therefore, continue to work towards creating standards which are amongst the best in the world to earn our rightful place not just as a diamond producing country but one stellar of note,” he added.

The minister said the diamond hub is, indeed, in line with the Government’s vision for the establishment of a downstream diamond industry in a professional, socially responsible, commercially viable and sustainable manner that satisfies the aspirations of government, the international diamond industry and other important key stakeholders.

“The long-term benefits of a diamond hub are that it will contribute towards drawing attention to new investments from diamond technology companies, global cutting and polishing companies, and drawing investment from diamond-buyers and services to support them,” he added.

Meanwhile the minister said as part of the government’s role and responsibility, the Ministry of Mines and Energy will focus on effective monitoring of rough exports and imports, exploring ways to streamline the process governing the movement of rough diamonds within the borders of Namibia and support services to the industry.

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