Gem Diamonds Attempts to Quell Controversy over Gope
June 24, 07
Gem Diamonds is working to assure the Basarwa Bushmen in Botswana that it will support a recent court ruling upholding their claim to their ancestral homeland in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
Gem Diamonds, a diamond mining company, in December purchased the Gope mine for $34 million from De Beers.
The court’s decision is the result of a four-year long lawsuit filed by the Basarwa against the government of Botswana, claiming that they had been forcibly removed from their land.
According to Africa News, Gem Diamonds is promising that it will consult with the Basarwa over how the company plans to develop the recently acquired mine.
“A recent ruling by the Botswana High Court in favor of Basarwa applicants has confirmed their right to live[in the CKGR]," The company said in a statement. “Gem Diamonds is committed to engaging with the representatives of Basarwa (Bushmen) and initial discussions with relevant NGOs have been held.”