DTC Delaying Move to Botswana

The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) is delaying the planned move of its sorting facilities from London to Gaborone, Botswana, the diamond miner confirmed to IDEX Online. The move will take place no sooner than 2010.

“A detailed feasibility study which has identified a small number of key issues which need to be resolved to ensure a smooth and successful transition of this important function,” according to De Beers’ Media Relations Manager Lynette Gould.

The company is in discussions with the government of Botswana to ensure conditions are “right for success,” Gould added, saying that it is unlikely that aggregation will move in 2009.

“We believe it is essential that this initial stage is completed prior to beginning the transition of aggregation activities. This will allow the aggregation function to remain fully focused on their task, which is particularly important in this difficult trading environment.”

While expressing De Beers’ full commitment to moving the sorting facilities to Botswana, Gould concluded that they are working to minimize the “the impact of this deferral.”