The Botswana government is considering increasing its shareholding in De Beers from the current 15% following revelations that parent company Anglo American wants out.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi told JCK News that Botswana, which accounts for 70% of De Beers’ annual rough diamond output that Anglo's exit from De Beers would be "the best thing" if it goes ahead.
He said Gaborone could raise its shareholding in De Beers "if it's attractive to".
Masisi also said that their ideal partner for De Beers would be a long-term investor and his government will try to keep the "bad guys out".
"One of the characteristics of a bad owner is someone who has impatient capital," Masisi said.
"This industry requires somebody who is in it for the long haul because it has its ups and downs."
Anglo recently reviewed its operations, which includes a sale or divestment of the diamond business to focus on copper, iron ore and a fertilizer project in the United Kingdom to rebuff a takeover from BHP.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
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