Debmarine Namibia to step up marine diamond exploration

Debmarine Namibia reinforced its fleet with the world’s most sophisticated exploration and sampling vessel which is now ready to start exploring for diamond in Namibian waters.

The inauguration of mv SS Nujoma, the world’s largest and most advanced diamond exploration and sampling vessel, occurred on Thursday, in the presence of the Namibia Founding President Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, who the vessel was named after.

The US$157 million vessel, a 12,000 tonne and diesel-electric powered, will enable Debmarine Namibia, a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group, to explore diamond deposits and secure diamond supply in the country well into the future.

A release from De Beers Group said Debmarine Namibia is the only company in the world to mine diamonds offshore, having started in 2002, at around 120 to 140 metres below sea level.

The marine diamond prospecting and mining company produced around 1.2 million carats in 2016, while the Namibian diamonds are some of the most valuable in the world.

“The mv SS Nujoma represents the largest ever capital investment in underwater diamond mining and will ensure a long-term, sustainable future for offshore diamond mining in Namibia, as well as creating important new jobs for Namibians.”, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy Obeth Kandjoze explained.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said offshore diamond mining is becoming increasingly important in meeting global demand for diamonds as many of the major onshore deposits have now been discovered.

He believed : “The mv SS Nujoma will allow even more of Namibia’s high quality offshore diamonds to be discovered and mined, ensuring a strong future for Namibia’s diamond industry, as well as the global diamond market.”

Debmarine Namibia, the joint venture company of the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group, commenced operations in January 2002 and mines off the southern coast of Namibia.

The company operates five diamond mining vessels and one exploration and sampling vessel, the mv SS Nujoma.

The mining vessels mine diamonds off the ocean floor using highly advanced drill technology, supported with sophisticated tracking, positioning and surveying equipment.