Finestar Diamonds Botswana inaugurated a new diamond cutting and polishing facility in Gaborone, Botswana, on February 25, 2020.

“The new facility, promising high quality diamonds, great ambition and more importantly exceptional skill transfer, is located at Unit No.6, Plot No. 69365, at Block 3 Industrial,” reported Wind Rush Communications in its Botswana Unplugged section.

In the same piece, Finestar Botswana MD Gaurav Jain, underlining  his Company’s aim “to bring sustainable business in Botswana”, is quoted as saying: “Our Made in Botswana diamonds will be refined by several highly skilled artisans that comprise mostly of Batswana staff and we can proudly say we will be crafting best quality diamonds that will leave a lasting impression on consumer minds worldwide.”

He added: “We believe this is the next phase of diamond beneficiation and we are excited to be part of Botswana’s diamond manufacturing journey. Our passionate commitment to ethical standards, environment, and customer satisfaction truly must be experienced to be believed, we sincerely welcome you all to join our family.”

The factory was inaugurated by the Honourable Lefoko Maxwell Moagi, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security. Speaking on the occasion, he is reported to have “emphasised the grand importance of diamond beneficiation initiatives such as the opening of this facility”.

“The Government of Botswana has dedicated itself to drive diamond beneficiation as one of its key areas of focus as part of its diversification strategy, to create employment opportunities for citizens and develop value through sustainable industrialisation,” the Minister has been quoted as saying.

De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver, who was also present at the function, emphasised Botswana’s role as a key global player in the worldwide diamond industry. “The diamond industry in Botswana continues to develop,” Cleaver was quoted as saying. “In not much more than a decade, we have seen Botswana not only become a leading rough diamond sales location, but also a significant cutting and polishing sector that is responsible for manufacturing a substantial share of the world’s gem quality production.”

He added: “The industry continues to evolve, and the opening of this factory is a welcome step forward. Botswana is one of the few countries worldwide that has all the stages of the diamond value chain within the country and this inauguration presents a great foundation of continued progress to nurture and grow the local workforce.”

 Pic Cap: At the inauguration of the new factory

Pic Courtesy: Wind Rush Communications