The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has welcomed Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), Botswana’s government-owned rough diamond marketing company, as its newest member. This marks a significant milestone as ODC becomes the first non-mining diamond company to join the NDC.
ODC plays a crucial role in the diamond industry, selling over 6 million carats of rough diamonds annually, all sourced from Debswana, a joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers.
The NDC, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting natural diamonds, recognizes the importance of ODC’s position in the upstream distribution chain. ODC’s membership underscores Botswana’s commitment to fostering consumer demand for natural diamonds, which in turn drives the country’s economic prosperity.
David Kellie, CEO of the NDC, expressed his enthusiasm about ODC’s membership, stating, “Botswana is a leader in setting standards for responsible natural resource management. Okavango Diamond Company’s membership allows us to share the story of the Botswana natural diamond industry more widely with the world.”
This partnership will undoubtedly strengthen the NDC’s efforts to promote the ethical and sustainable practices of the natural diamond industry, particularly highlighting Botswana’s exemplary role in responsible diamond mining and marketing.
The image accompanying the article showcases the stunning 20.46-carat Okavango Blue, the largest blue diamond ever discovered in Botswana, recovered by ODC in 2019. This remarkable gemstone serves as a testament to the beauty and value of Botswana’s natural diamond resources.
