Experts have welcomed the signing of a long-delayed rough diamond sales agreement between Botswana and South African mining giant De Beers. Representatives of the Botswana government and De Beers put pen to paper Tuesday on a 10-year deal following six years of negotiations.

The Botswana government signed a new diamond sales agreement crucial to its economy with the De Beers mining company on Tuesday after seven years of negotiations. The deal gives the government an increasing share of diamond sales through the Debswana company — its joint venture with De Beers,

MUMBAI: The government of Botswana and De Beers Group have signed new agreements, securing a 10-year sales deal (with a potential five-year extension) and a 25-year extension of mining licences for their 50:50 Debswana joint venture,

Botswana's government on Tuesday signed a long-delayed 10-year diamonds sales agreement with Anglo American unit De Beers adding a possible extension period of five more years to the provisional pact.

Botswana's government finalized a diamond sales agreement with De Beers, a subsidiary of Anglo American. Initial negotiations began in 2018, and though terms were provisionally agreed upon in 2023, a formal agreement was not signed until President Duma Boko prioritized it after taking office in October.

GABORONE - After eight years of negotiations, Botswana and De Beers Group finally signed the renewed diamond sales agreement on Tuesday in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. Botswanan President Duma Boko said during the signing ceremony that the new agreement added a possible five-year extension to the provisional deal.

(250225) -- GABORONE, Feb. 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Botswanan President Duma Boko (C) attends a signing ceremony of a diamond sales agreement in Gaborone, Botswana, on Feb. 25, 2025. After eight years of negotiations, Botswana and De Beers Group finally signed the renewed diamond sales agreement on Tuesday in Gaborone. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

The ten-year deal signed Tuesday in Gaborone also covers the sale of diamonds, the renewal of mining licenses and other capital commitments.

As part of the deal, Botswana's share of diamonds from Debswana, a joint venture with De Beers, will rise from 25% to 50%.

The partnership secures long-term value from existing mines and expansions such as Jwaneng Cut-9 and Jwaneng Underground.

Botswana has just sealed a historic 10-year diamond sales agreement with De Beers, marking a significant milestone in the country's diamond industry. This landmark deal reinforces Botswana's position as a global leader in diamond production.