Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has recently been announced as the newest member of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), marking a significant milestone for both entities. As a government-owned rough natural diamond marketing firm based in Botswana, ODC joins esteemed counterparts such as De Beers, solidifying its place among responsible mining companies.
This development carries particular significance as ODC becomes the first non-mining diamond company to gain membership in the NDC. The acknowledgment underscores ODC’s pivotal role in the upstream distribution of natural diamonds and highlights Botswana’s commitment to fostering consumer demand as a catalyst for the future prosperity of the natural diamond industry.
With an impressive track record, ODC boasts an annual sale of over 6 million carats of rough natural diamonds, all meticulously sourced from Debswana, Botswana’s primary diamond mining entity responsible for 98% of the nation’s diamond production. Beyond its substantial supply contributions, ODC is renowned as the custodian of the illustrious Okavango Blue diamond, a rare 20.46-carat VVS1 oval brilliant, fancy deep blue gem.
Mmetla Masire, Managing Director of ODC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are very excited to announce our support of the Natural Diamond Council. ODC believes strongly in building customer confidence, aligning seamlessly with NDC’s mission to enhance consumer awareness globally. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with NDC to fulfill our mandate of providing the Botswana Government with a direct route to market for its rough diamonds and furthering Botswana’s evolution into a premier rough natural diamond sourcing destination.”
David Kellie, CEO of NDC, echoed Masire’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of ODC’s membership. “Okavango Diamond Company’s inclusion in the NDC enables us to amplify the narrative of Botswana’s natural diamond industry on a global scale,” he remarked. “We are poised to captivate more consumers with the compelling tale of Botswana’s diamonds and their positive impact on the Batswana community. It’s a narrative resonating strongly with consumers worldwide.”
The partnership between ODC and NDC not only solidifies Botswana’s position in the global diamond market but also sets the stage for collaborative efforts aimed at promoting ethical sourcing practices and fostering sustainable growth within the industry.