Connect with us

DiamondBuzz

Botswana Eyes Strategic Diamond Cooperation with Russia

Diamond and rare earth cooperation seen as part of broader economic diversification strategy

Published

on

Botswana has expressed readiness to collaborate with Russia in the diamond sector as part of its broader efforts to strengthen and diversify its economy, according to media reports citing the country’s Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale.

The proposed partnership is aimed at reducing Botswana’s reliance on a single resource-driven economy, Russia’s state-owned news agency TASS reported on Sunday. Cooperation is expected to extend beyond diamonds to include rare earth minerals, with a focus on leveraging expertise across mining and processing operations.

The move comes as Russia seeks to expand its footprint across Africa amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Western nations, according to Reuters.

Separately, Botswana has indicated interest in increasing its existing 15% stake in De Beers, as Anglo American moves forward with plans to divest its 85% holding in the diamond major. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned against such a move, citing Botswana’s economic challenges and continued heavy dependence on diamonds at a time when global demand for the stones is softening.

Continue Reading
Advertisement JewelBuzz Banner
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted

DiamondBuzz

Richemont and Signet Jewelers Could Join Global Diamond Consortium In Bid For De Beers

Richemont, Signet Would Connect The Consortium To Key Global Growth Vectors Spanning Luxury High Jewelry and Mass-Market Retail.

Published

on

The Global Diamond Consortium (GDC)

Richemont and Signet Jewelers are reported to be in talks about joining the Global Diamond Consortium (GDC), the preferred bidder for De Beers according to a Bloomberg News report.

​GDC was selected in July 2026 as one of Anglo American’s preferred bidders for De Beers as part of Anglo American’s ongoing corporate restructuring. 

​The potential inclusion of Richemont—owner of luxury Maisons including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels—and Signet Jewelers—the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating brands such as Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared—would connect the consortium to key global growth vectors spanning luxury high jewelry and mass-market retail. 

​Strengthening the Natural Diamond Ecosystem: Participation by major luxury brands and global retail leaders reinforces commitment across the entire value chain—from responsible mining and manufacturing to consumer engagement. 

​Balanced Governance Structure: Discussions center on potential minority equity positions that would support long-term category growth while maintaining appropriate separation between ownership and commercial strategy.

​Broad Stakeholder Participation: The consortium continues to advance talks with host governments, including discussions with the Government of Botswana regarding a potential increase in its equity share in De Beers from 15% to approximately 25%, alongside participation from private investors and southern African host nations. 

​​Discussions between GDC, Richemont, Signet, and participating government stakeholders remain ongoing. Terms of any potential participation, including the size of equity interests, have not been finalized and remain subject to regulatory approvals and definitive documentation. 

Continue Reading

Trending

JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

We would like to hear from you...

GET WHATSAPP NEWS ALERTS

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x