De Beers

De Beers, founded in South Africa by Cecil Rhodes, comprises companies involved in rough diamond exploration, diamond mining and diamond trading. The various companies within the De Beers “family of companies” are responsible for around 40% of world diamond production by value. De Beers is active in every category of diamond mining: open-pit, underground, large-scale alluvial, coastal and deep sea. De Beers is not involved in informal small-scale diamond mining, which is rarely economical for large mining companies.De Beers has a presence in 25 countries, largely on account of its extensive exploration activities. Mining takes place in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania. Mining in Botswana takes place through the mining company Debswana, a 50-50 joint venture with the government of Botswana. In Namibia it takes place through Namdeb, a 50-50 joint venture with the government of Namibia. Mining in South Africa mining takes place through De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM), a partnership with the broad based black economic empowerment partner, Ponahalo Investments. In Tanzania it occurs through a partnership with the government of Tanzania, 75% owned by De Beers, 25 y government. In 2007, De Beers is expected to open its first mine in Canada (called "Snap Lake", located in Canada’s North West Territories).
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