Shrenuj Botswana is part of the Shrenuj India Group, which has been one of several DTC sightholders since 1982.

The new ownership will mean a change of focus for the factory, which will be working on a range of rough diamonds suitable for Shrenuj's international downstream requirements for key global consumer markets.

De Beers had earlier indicated that diamonds could not be polished and processed economically in African countries. Countering this pessimistic view, Shrenuj processes lower value diamonds that are more suited to the African market and those in other developing countries.

'As we do with all our sightholders, we will offer every assistance to ensure the success of this manufacturing facility (and) its contribution to beneficiation and corporate responsibility in Botswana,' said DTC Botswana managing director Brian McDonald.

Shrenuj Botswana has also separately been granted an operating licence by the government.

(Fakir Hassen can be contacted at 27824154806@vodamail.co.za)