Approach

The Family of Companies is committed to sustainable development as an integral part of the way we do business.

Approach

Our business strategy is about growth and expansion in a responsible and sustainable manner. It requires us to deliver financial returns and address sustainability issues.

The unique contribution that diamonds have made in countries like Botswana gives us cause to reflect on what lessons might be drawn from this success and whether these might be deployed effectively elsewhere on the continent. 

Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman De Beers Group

Delivering financial returns means increasing the demand for diamonds, finding new supplies of diamonds, and enhancing our value-added services including sorting and sales.

Addressing sustainability issues means enhancing our relationship with host and partner governments, building consumer confidence in diamonds, and ensuring our activities contribute positively to the livelihoods of both present and future generations.

Our understanding of sustainability is shaped by the societal imperatives of the countries where we work. This includes the vision of an ever more prosperous Africa. 

Detailed accounts of our management systems and performance in these areas are presented in the Operating and Financial Review 2010  and in our Report to Society 2010.

The financial review provides insight into our operational performance, future production opportunities and organisational change.

The report to society addresses sustainability issues relevant and material to our key stakeholders in the area of economics, ethics, employees, communities and environment.

It includes information from owned and managed business as well as our joint venture partnerships with government such as Debswana and Namdeb.

Together these reports detail our contribution to national development goals and sustainable development in the different countries in which we operate.

They account for how we are “living up to diamonds”.