Diamond Aid for ex-Robben Island Prisoners
February 23, 21
(IDEX Online) - A fund for Namibia's former political inmates of South Africa's notorious Robben Island prison is prospecting for diamonds.
It is now seeking to extend its license to explore a 1,500-hectare concession along the Orange River on the Namibia/South Africa border for alluvial gems.
Proceeds from the sale of diamonds will benefit the Namibian Former Robben Island Political Prisoners Trust, established by the country's then-president Sam Nujoma to provide financial help for political prisoners of the apartheid regime.
The area is about 10 km upstream of the mining operations of Namdeb, the Namibian subsidiary of the diamond giant De Beers.
The Namibian company Clear Sun has had a license since 2004 and hopes to renew when it expires in August.
Pic shows Orange River at border between South Africa and Namibia