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Source: Terraconsult
Year after year, diamonds recovered from Namibia s on-shore and sea diamond concessions have consistently sold for the highest prices in the world. In 1998, the average price for all diamonds mined in Namibia was more than US$300 a carat - over twice the average price received for diamonds mined in Canada. This dramatic contrast in value is due to the superior size, quality and clarity of Namibia's diamonds.
Namibian diamonds are consistently over 95% gem quality as compared to the 20-30% ratios typically found in Canadian deposits. This high quality is a function of the transport processes where only the best quality stones survived the journey over hundreds of millions of years to the sea.
The diamond market has been very strong in the first half of 1999. Continued strong retail sales in the United States and improved demand from Asia have resulted in higher prices. The demand for high quality diamonds is forecast to continue to rise, and we believe that we are well positioned to share in this growth. |