August 2, 2011

The new De Beers Group CEO, Mr Philippe Mellier this week visited Botswana on a familiarisation tour of Debswana operations. He was also had briefing sessions with the Debswana senior leadership. The briefing covered year to date company performance, including safety, production and sales, an update on major projects and the new corporate strategy.

On August 2^nd, Mr Mellier undertook a visit to Jwaneng Mine where he was given an update on the performance of the richest mine in the world by value. He also had an opportunity to undertake a mine tour and visit a processing plant. His visit to Jwaneng also included a tour of the Jwaneng Mine hospital, which also serves as a referral hospital for the southern district and a support centre for the Masa National Anti-retroviral programme.

“I am very excited to be here to get a fuller appreciation of the business that contributes significantly to Botswana and the De Beers Family of Companies”, said Mr Mellier as he got down to business with the Debswana Senior Leadership Team.

Later this month, Mr Mellier is expected to visit the Orapa and Letlhakane Mines to further get an appreciation of the entire Debswana business.