Top 5 Diamond Producing Countries in the World

2. Botswana

Average Annual Diamond Production: 22.4 million carats 

Botswana has leveraged its diamond resources into a cornerstone of economic growth. Strategic partnerships within the diamond industry have led to the development of some of the world’s richest mines, including Orapa and Jwaneng. Reports from Reuters state that Botswana remains steadfast in its quest for a larger share of diamond revenue from its longstanding partnership with De Beers. The two have operated through the Debswana Diamond Company, their 50/50 joint venture established over fifty years ago. Notably, the two entities’ thrice-extended diamond sales agreement, active since 2011, is nearing its expiration.

De Beers, a part of Anglo American Plc, currently obtains 75% of the diamonds mined by Debswana. The remaining 25% is allocated to the Okavango Diamond Company, a state-owned entity established in 2011. It marks Botswana’s initial steps toward independently selling a share of its diamonds outside the traditional De Beers network. The President of Botswana has been advocating for an increase in the quantity of diamonds sold through alternative channels, signaling a move toward a more independent sales strategy for the country’s gems.