From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Sashnee Moodley:
Diamond miner De Beers, with a long legacy, spanning more than 100 years of operating in South Africa, has opened a new diamond sales and sorting facility near OR Tambo International Airport, in Kempton Park. Donna Slater compiled the story.
The new facility, called De Beers’ Sky Park Sightholder Sales South Africa, comprises two floors, including those for sightholder offices, hand and machine sorting areas, a training academy and a diamond cleaning plant.
Rough diamond sorting that will take place at the premises, will support investment in local diamond and polishing factories, which have employed 620 cutters and polishers since 2020.
De Beers CEO Al Cook details the miner’s decision to invest in the new facility.
De Beers CEO Al Cook:
Sashnee Moodley
De Beers is also investing in its South African diamond mining and exploration activities, ensuring longer life of assets and a reliable future source of diamonds for the local and international market.
De Beers executive chairperson Barend Petersen speaks about the efforts being made in these regards.
De Beers executive chairperson Barend Petersen:
Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.