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Lucara Diamond, a Canadian mining company, has reinstated its gem sales agreement with HB Antwerp, a polishing and trading firm, signifying a resurgence of collaboration following a hiatus of five months.
Under the renewed deal, Lucara will provide HB Antwerp with rough diamonds weighing 10.8 carats and above for ten years, commencing from December of the preceding year.
However, with the specter of a technical recession looming, the government's economic strategies will face intensified scrutiny.
Background: Previous Severance and Reasons
In September of the previous year, Lucara had terminated its association with HB Antwerp, citing a "material breach of financial commitments." The sudden termination had reverberated within the diamond industry, stirring discussions about the dynamics of business relationships.
HB Antwerp refrained from commenting on the matter at the time and has remained silent regarding the recent reconciliation.
Botswana's Role in the Equation
Botswana, where Lucara's Karowe diamond mining project is located, has a 24% stake in HB Antwerp. This development adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative, intertwining national interests with the intricacies of the global diamond trade.
History of Collaboration and Revised Deal Structure
The initial diamond sales agreement between Lucara and HB Antwerp was forged in 2020 and extended for a decade in 2022. The updated arrangement stipulates that the purchase price for rough stones will be determined through mutual agreement on the estimated value of polished diamonds, with an additional payment contingent on actual achieved polished sales.
Financial Stability and CEO's Perspective
Lucara envisions that the pricing mechanism outlined in the revised deal will ensure a steady cash flow. William Lamb, Lucara's Chief Executive, emphasized that the revitalized partnership underscores the company's dedication to operational stability and sustainability.
The resurgence of collaboration between Lucara Diamond and HB Antwerp holds significance within the diamond industry, highlighting the intricate and interdependent nature of global gem trade relationships.
