GIA Expands Lab and Education Facility in Botswana
January 24, 16
(IDEX Online News) – The GIA has expanded its lab and educational facilities in Gaborone, Botswana. The lab said the expansion supports its continued beneficiation efforts by bringing value-added services to gem-producing countries.
The lab said that through the expansion, which includes more classroom space, it is advancing its goal of making Gaborone the destination for industry-leading gemological education in Africa.
“Botswana plays a significant role in the diamond industry as one of the largest producing countries – both by value and volume,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO.
“Much of the benefit of that diamond production comes from Botswana’s forward-thinking decision to participate in every possible step of the value chain. It is a great source of pride for me and for everyone at GIA that we have had the opportunity to support this ongoing effort.”
The opening was attended by gem and jewelry industry leaders and top government officials including the US Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, Earl R. Miller, and Botswana’s Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila.
The GIA lab was established in Botswana in 2008. Currently, it employs 95 people in Gaborone, including 65 trained by GIA as diamond graders.