The Issue of Beneficiation In The Diamond Trade
An interesting exchange appeared on the “cutting remarks” of Rob Bates, Diamond Editor of JCK Magazine on the issue of beneficiation in context to diamonds.
As an article in the publication: ‘Mmegi Online’ points out, http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=4&aid=28&dir=2008/August/Friday15 initiatives are being considered which would bring more beneficiation to Botswana.
Botswana is a major diamond exporter and is often used as an example by those in the diamond sector of the importance of the diamond business to African countries. Right now, many in Botswana are pushing to have more “down stream” processes. They want polishing and manufacturing jobs as well.
Rob Bates is a strong supporter of this movement toward beneficiation and the ethical production of diamonds in the sector, but he draws some heat in this discussion which obviously is an emotional issue. Beneficiation in Africa has worked in other industries, but in context to the diamond sector, it remains unproven.
Read the full article here:
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=4&aid=28&dir=2008/August/Friday15
What incentive would it take for a company with solid polishing operations in India, Russia, New York or Israel to move to a country like Botswana? They would never do so out of their own social conscience or desire to help Botswana. The companies that run these kinds of operations are not interested in development; they are interested in making money as efficiently as possible.
Can a zebra change its stripes?
~Marc Choyt, Managing Editor.
