As a 50/50 joint venture partner with both Botswana and Namibia in the recovery and sorting of rough diamonds, De Beers Group has regularly supported the communities that surround its mines. The Group has provided funds for improving schools, mentoring local business owners, boosting local economies and creating health programs. But, now, in the face of a global pandemic, De Beers Group is taking that effort to the next level.
The world’s leading diamond company has earmarked $2.5 million to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Botswana and Namibia.
“With our contribution of $2.5 million, De Beers is supporting the unprecedented efforts of healthcare professionals, community leaders and all those confronting COVID-19 in the countries and communities in which we live and work,” stated De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver. “We have refocused our business in our host communities to support the response to the pandemic and our priorities are clear: prepare communities for the crisis, support the emergency response and be a partner in economic recovery.”
Cleaver noted that De Beers Group’s partnerships with the people of Botswana and Namibia have spanned decades.
“The men and women of De Beers are proud to stand with them now in this moment of crisis,” he said, “and we will stand with them as their partners on the road to recovery and renewal.”
In addition to Botswana and Namibia, De Beers Group has mining operations in South Africa and Canada. Across the four diamond-producing countries, the Group is supporting governments and communities in the procurement of medical supplies, logistical support, vulnerability assessment support plans, food security for vulnerable households, water supply to communities, community COVID-19 awareness and education, and local clinical support.
De Beers Group has designed a comprehensive Community Response Plan (CRP) to provide the most effective and relevant support to host communities. The CRP has been developed through engagement with community leaders, faith leaders and government agencies to understand their needs and ensure De Beers Group is providing the right support at the right time, both during the pandemic and into the vital economic recovery phase.
Established in 1888 and best known for its iconic tagline “A Diamond Is Forever,” De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people and is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds.
Credit: Image courtesy of De Beers Group.