De Beers, founded by Cecil Rhodes in 1888, has been a major player in the diamond industry for over a century. The company's dominance in the industry has been well-documented, and its influence extends far beyond Botswana. In the 1960s, De Beers began exploring for diamonds in Botswana, and in 1971, the company discovered the Orapa diamond mine, which would become one of the largest diamond mines in the world.
For the first time in history, the government of President Mokgweetsi Masisi is publicly saying "yes"—and demanding a divorce settlement that could shatter the cartel forever. De Beers, founded by Cecil Rhodes in 1888,
Currently, diamonds from Botswana are often mixed with stones from South Africa, Canada, and Namibia before being sold. Botswana wants the right to sell its own stones independently—specifically through the state-owned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) . De Beers is resisting, arguing that aggregation allows for better pricing consistency. For the first time in history, the government
The diamond industry has also had a significant impact on the people of Botswana. The industry has created jobs and generated revenue, but it has also been criticized for its treatment of workers and its impact on local communities. De Beers is resisting, arguing that aggregation allows