The sale of De Beers is entering its final stage. Anglo American has reportedly identified its preferred bidder: a consortium led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny. If completed, the transaction could bring together the governments of three African nations and reshape the global diamond industry.
The development was announced by Botswana’s Minister of Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, during a parliamentary address on Friday. According to Mohwasa, the Global Diamond Consortium, headed by Penny, has been selected as the preferred bidder. Anglo American declined to comment on the report, stating only that the competitive sale process involving multiple parties remains ongoing.
Penny served as CEO of De Beers from 2006 to 2010. Independent diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky believes he is well positioned to lead the company. According to Zimnisky, Penny understands that the industry’s immediate challenge is restoring consumer demand for natural diamonds—a difficult task in today’s market, but one he appears prepared to take on.
The outcome of the sale is strategically important for Botswana, which accounts for approximately 70% of De Beers’ diamond production and owns a 15% equity stake in the company. The Botswana government has repeatedly indicated that it hopes to increase its ownership as Anglo American restructures its portfolio. The Global Diamond Consortium also includes Angola and Namibia, both of which have expressed interest in expanding their participation in the diamond industry. Botswana has welcomed this regional partnership.
Zimnisky described the consortium as a strong combination of experienced leadership, committed investors, and governments with direct financial interests in the success of the natural diamond sector. He argues that such cooperation is exactly what the industry needs at a time when natural diamonds face mounting competitive pressures.
Penny’s consortium is competing against groups led by Nir Livnat of Diacore Group and Michael O’Keeffe of Burgundy Diamond Mines. The bidding process comes during one of the most difficult periods in the diamond industry’s history. Last week, De Beers announced a two-year suspension of mining operations at its Venetia mine in South Africa. Meanwhile, the rough diamond price index compiled by WWW International Diamond Consultants has fallen by roughly 50% from its 2022 peak. Weak consumer demand in China and the rapid expansion of laboratory-grown diamonds—available at a fraction of the price of natural stones—continue to weigh heavily on the market.
Despite these challenges, Zimnisky believes De Beers retains substantial long-term value. He notes that the company benefits from more than a century of industry leadership and argues that, with sufficient capital and effective management, it could regain its position. He also points to the exit of numerous independent diamond producers and sanctions affecting Russian diamonds as factors tightening global supply.
One of the largest transactions in the history of the diamond industry is beginning to take shape. A former De Beers chief executive may soon return to lead the company once again, while three African governments prepare to strengthen their influence over one of the world’s most important diamond producers.
Source: MINING.COM
Image: De Beers Group
