What is De Beers?
'''De Beers''' is a [[mining]] company started in 1888 by the British businessman [[Cecil Rhodes]]. They controlled the trading of [[Diamond|diamonds]] for many years as they controlled most of Africa's rich diamond mines. For most of the 20th century over 80% of the world's rough diamonds passed through the company. In 2023 they still have about 40% of world diamond production. They have three Debswana mines in [[Botswana.]] That is about 25% of worldwide production. There has been an agreement with Botswana since 1969. In 2023 a new agreement was made giving the country more of the diamonds - 30% in 2023, 40% from 2028 and 50% from 2033.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dempsey|first=Harry|last2=Cotterill|first2=Joseph|date=2023-07-25|title=De Beers prospects blemished after Botswana cuts new diamond deal|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/f2b27377-3650-448f-84ed-40e43118e801?|access-date=2023-07-25}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Diamonds]] [[Category:Mining companies]] [[Category:Companies based in London]]