Economy

Botswana flags synthetic gem threat ahead of $6bn diamond project launch

Date: May 29, 2024

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday called synthetic gems a threat to the country's economic lifeblood, as the government readies to launch a $6 billion project to extend the life of its flagship Jwaneng diamond mine.

The natural diamond market has struggled in the past two years due to rising consumer demand for cheaper lab-grown diamonds, coupled with global macroeconomic volatility.

Masisi will participate this week at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, considered the world’s largest jewellery trade event, to promote Botswana as a leading producer of ethically and responsibly sourced diamonds as the country looks to safeguard its market share for natural diamonds.

According to industry watchdog Kimberley Process Certification Scheme data, Botswana produced 20% of the world's total rough diamonds in 2022, behind Russia. The southern African country is, however, the world's top diamond producer by value.

--Reuters--

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