Chamwe Kaira
Namibia produced 556 000 carats of diamonds in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, up from 459 000 carats in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Production, however, was down 12% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
The decline was linked to scheduled maintenance on two vessels at Debmarine Namibia and the decommissioning of two vessels in 2025.
Debmarine Namibia produced 354 000 carats in the first quarter, compared to 286 000 carats in the previous quarter.
Namdeb land operations produced 202 000 carats in the first quarter, up from 173 000 carats in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The figures were released by Anglo American plc in its production report for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026. Anglo American owns De Beers, which is a 50-50 partner with the Namibian government in Debmarine Namibia, Namdeb Land and the Namibian Diamond Trading Company.
Globally, rough diamond production increased by 17% to 7.1 million carats.
This was driven by planned ore release from Gahcho Kué in Canada and higher volumes from the Venetia underground mine in South Africa.
In Botswana, production rose by 5% to 4.8 million carats due to a higher recovered grade at Orapa, while production at Jwaneng remained steady.
In South Africa, Venetia production increased by 53% to 700 000 carats due to higher volumes of underground ore.
In Canada, production reached one million carats, supported by planned ore release from a new mining area at Gahcho Kué.
Anglo American said rough diamond trading conditions remain under pressure due to industry, geopolitical and tariff challenges.
Rough diamond sales in the first quarter reached 7.7 million carats, or 6.4 million carats on a consolidated basis, generating revenue of US$648 million.
This compares to 4.7 million carats, or 4.2 million carats on a consolidated basis, and US$520 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025.
The average realised price declined by 19% to US$101 per carat. The drop was linked to a 17% decrease in the rough price index and a higher share of lower-value goods in the sales mix.
Anglo American said it is continuing with plans to divest De Beers and expects to provide an update during 2026.
Production guidance for 2026 remains at 21 to 26 million carats, with unit cost guidance unchanged at US$80 per carat.
