Gem Diamonds Vows to Engage Bushmen on Gope Projects
Jun 24, 2007 7:57 AM
By Avi Krawitz
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RAPAPORT... Gem Diamonds has assured Botswana's San Bushmen that the diamond mining company would consult with the group in development of the Gope kimberlite deposit located in the Central Kalahari Desert reserve.
Gem purchased the site from a De Beers – Xtrata joint venture for $34 million in May, as part of a De Beers strategy to divest from less profitable ventures. Some industry observers attributed the sale to the controversy surrounding the lands in question on which Botswana had relocated the Bushmen. The courts however ruled in favor of the Bushmen.
Gem said in a statement that it respected the decision and that it was committed to engaging with the representatives of the Bushmen.
The company added that it has started a consultation process with all the relevant parties, including relevant NGOs, on how to sustainably develop Gope. In addition, Gem stated it has commissioned an environmental impact study to ensure that environmental best practices are followed.
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Tags:
De Beers, Gem Diamonds
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