The layout of each mine depends on the size and shape of the diamond deposit as well as the characteristics of the rock. When an open pit mine reaches a certain depth, we may continue mining by constructing an underground mine, as we are doing in our Venetia operation in South Africa.
De Beers also mines underground as well in the marine environment of the Atlantic Ocean off Namibia.
16 May 2016
The Government of the Republic of Namibia (click here) and The De Beers Group of Companies today signed a new 10-year sales agreement for the sorting, valuing and sales of Namdeb Holdings' diamonds. The sales agreement is the longest ever signed between the two partners.
Namibia will see a significant increase in rough diamonds made available for beneficiation as a result of the agreement, with US$430 million of rough diamonds being offered annually to Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) customers. As part of the agreement, all Namdeb Holdings’ Special Stones will be made available for sale in Namibia.
In addition, the agreement provides for 15 per cent of Namdeb Holdings’ run-of-mine production per annum to be made available to a Government-owned independent sales company called Namib Desert Diamonds Pty Ltd.
The agreement builds on the socio-economic contribution the partnership has made to Namibia since it was formally established in 1994. Namdeb Holdings is one of Namibia’s largest taxpayers and the country’s biggest foreign exchange generator, contributing more than one in every five Namibian dollars of foreign earnings.
Obeth Kandjoze, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, said: “This new agreement cements Namibia’s position as an important international diamond player and will provide further stimulus to advance our downstream industry....
