Namibia produced 2.327 million carats of rough diamonds last year, according to latest figures released by De Beers, a 9% increase from 2.137 million carats of diamond produced the previous year.
In the period under review, Namdeb’s production increased by 14% to 468,000 carats from 412,000 carats the previous year, while in Q4 it recorded 13% decline in production to 151,000 carats.
Debmarine Namibia’s production for 2023 increased by 8% to 1,859 million carats from 1,725 million carats in 2022.
In Q4 Debmarine produced 439,000 carats, a percentage decline to 439,000 carats.
In total, Namibia’s production in Q4 declined by 4% to 590,000 carats, due to marginally lower grades at the land operations.
In South Africa, De Beers’ production decreased by 54% to 400,000 carats, due to the planned end of Venetia’s open pit operations in December 2022, while Botswana, production increased by 6% to 6.1 million carats, driven by increased plant throughput at Orapa due to planned lower maintenance.
De Beers production guidance for 2024 is unchanged at 29-32 million carats, but will however, assess options to reduce production in response to prevailing market conditions.
In Namibia, De Beers operates as a joint venture partner with the Namibian government through Namdeb Holdings, where both entities hold a 50% stake.
Namdeb manages the land-based diamond mines, while Debmarine operates the offshore licences.
