De Beers to Partner on Mining Projects

Posted in News by Admin on March 23rd, 2009

South Africa-based De Beers Group has expressed intentions of forming a partnership with Zambian gemstone mining firms with a view of developing the country’s gemstone industry. The Emeralds & Semi-precious Miners Association of Zambia general secretary Victor Kalesha said on Wednesday that members from his association were ready to work with De Beers to tap potential for the export market.

“The association has already opened negotiations with De Beers who have promised to come back in due course,” Kalesha said. He added however, that the association was still waiting for De Beers to explain in detail what type of partnership it wanted before the association takes the next steps. The partnership would maximize production of gemstones through the injection of operating capital by both partners. More than 400 small-scale miners are expected to benefit through the partnership initiative which will help bring life to the sector currently lacking operating capital.