International News
Botswana pursuing a controlling stake in De Beers
Government of Botswana moves to secure control of De Beers amid falling diamond revenues.
The government of Botswana has indicated that it is actively pursuing a controlling stake in De Beers, ahead of the 1 August deadline for bids to be submitted to parent company Anglo American. Botswana relies heavily on diamonds – they account for approximately 80 per cent of export earnings and about 30 per cent of GDP, but revenues halved last year amid a global downturn in demand.
Botswana seeks not only ownership, but also full control over the company’s production, marketing, and value chain- strategic shift reflecting both economic ambitions and frustration over Anglo American’s handling of the proposed transaction.

Botswana mining minister Bogolo Kenewendo said : “President Duma Boko remains resolute in his quest to increase Botswana’s stake in De Beers to ensure Botswana’s full control over this strategic national asset and the entire value chain including marketing”.
Anglo American’s official book value for De Beers, after asset impairments in early 2025, stands at $4.1bn, although market analysts suggest it could sell for less. Botswana currently holds a 15 per cent stake in De Beers and a 50 per cent stake in Debswana, a diamond mining joint venture with De Beers.
Anglo American aims to sell off its 85 per cent stake in De Beers by the end of 2025 as it restructures and focuses on copper and other minerals that are more profitable than diamonds.
In February De Beers and Botswana signed a long-delayed agreement that will see Botswana’s share of rough diamonds increase from 25 per cent to 50 per cent over the next decade and De Beers invest in diversification into developing its economy beyond diamonds.
De Beers suffered a $288m net loss in 2024, primarily the result of a 44 per cent plunge in diamond sales. Kenewendo said.
International News
Precious Metals Bounce Back As Iran Ceasefire Hopes Rise, But Fed Rate Fears Loom: AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
Gold Remains Under Short-term Pressure from Expectations of Fed Tightening and a Strong Dollar. However, Investor Positioning in Gold Looks Relatively Light After Months of ETF Outflows.
Price Movement – Gold has bounced back from its key support levels near $3960, and Silver has recovered from $55, after an Iranian official reportedly received a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire. The continuing US-Iran standoff has kept investors worried about energy-driven inflation and the possibility of further rate hikes. Markets are now pricing in an 83% chance of a US rate hike in December, up sharply from 73% just a week earlier, based on the CME FedWatch tool.
Geopolitical Tensions – Despite the Houthis announcing fresh military action, both Tehran and Washington appear keen to restart talks and stop the escalating attacks that have nearly destroyed a fragile interim agreement reached last month. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that mediators had proposed a 10-day ceasefire, aimed at rescuing the interim deal and eventually leading to a lasting peace agreement.
Macro-Economic Signals – Gold remains under short-term pressure from expectations of Fed tightening and a strong dollar. However, investor positioning in gold looks relatively light after months of ETF outflows, meaning further price drops may be limited. Strong physical demand, especially from China, along with continued central bank buying, is providing solid support to the gold market.
Technical Triggers
If Gold fails to hold above $4,000 (~Rs.1,41,000), it could slide further to $3,900 (~Rs.1,38,000). But if it manages to stay above $4,200, a fresh rally could take it toward $4,500 (~Rs.1,55,000).
For Silver, a strong move above $63 (~Rs.2,35,000) could push prices toward $70–71 (~Rs.2,51,000–2,55,000). On the other hand, a fall below $55 (~Rs.2,14,000) may drag it down to $50 (~Rs.2,00,000).
Support and Resistance
| International Gold Support Level International Gold Resistance Level Domestic Gold Support Level Domestic Gold Resistance Level | : $3900/oz : $4160/oz : Rs 137,000/10 gm : Rs 147,000/10 gm |
| International Silver Support Level International Silver Resistance Level Domestic Silver Support Level Domestic Silver Resistance Level | : $55/oz : $63/oz : Rs 214,000/kg : Rs 235,000/kg |
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