STAFF WRITER
Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Limited (NAMDEB) has unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond, which was recovered at the Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund in May.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the diamond christened owishi represents the largest diamond of its kind to be discovered at the mine in the past two decades.
“ It is an achievement that is not only a significant milestone for NAMDEB, but a source of immense pride for our country and her people. This is a
testament to Namibia’s standing as a country endowed with valuable natural resources and a recognised producer of high-quality natural diamonds,”Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President said the mining sector remains the backbone of the country’s economy.
Natural resources beneficiation has wide ranging impacts on the economy which includes much needed job creation. This discovery comes at a time when the global diamond industry is undergoing significant changes, characterised by evolving consumer preferences, competition from laboratory-grown diamonds and fluctuations in international markets,” she said.
She said Namibia’s diamond industry is internationally renowned due to its commitment to responsible mining, sound governance and ethical practices. “Our peaceful and stable environment, reinforced by the Constitution, the
rule of law and established regulatory institutions, provides a solid foundation for sustainable investment in the Mining Industry amongst other sectors.
Therefore, this 176.29-carat natural diamond reinforces the importance of pursuing our national objectives robustly,” she said.
Nandi -Ndaitwa said the diamond represents an opportunity to strengthen Namibia’s mining industry and expand economic activities to generate revenue that can support essential public services such as education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure development.
“Namibia must continue to position its natural diamonds within the global market by emphasising their rarity, authenticity, quality and responsible provenance. Our diamonds carry a distinctive story of natural heritage,
responsible production and a partnership between the Government and the mining industry, particularly Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) and De Beers Group since 2007,” she said.
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