De Beers, established in 1888, is the world's leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds.   De Beers and its joint venture partners operate in more than 20 countries across five continents employing nearly 22,000 people.
	From its 15 mines across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, De Beers produces approximately 40 percent of the world's rough diamonds and markets approximately 45%. The company's robust portfolio of future mining projects includes two mines in Canada set to begin operations in 2007 and 2008. As part of the company's operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Living up to Diamonds by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work. De Beers encourages sustainable working to ensure long-term positive development for Africa and returns approximately US$4.9 billion to the continent every year.   The changing face of De Beers In 2005, De Beers announced a groundbreaking Black Economic Empowerment deal with Ponahalo Investment which saw the sale of 26% of the equity of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) to Ponahalo. The shareholders in Ponahalo represent the broadest possible cross-section of South African society.  This sale is heralded to be a clear demonstration of De Beers becoming a company that truly reflects the non-racial ideals of the government and citizens of South Africa.  De Beers Group structure De Beers Group is a privately owned company with three shareholders: Anglo American plc owns 45% Central Holdings Group owns 40% The Government of Botswana owns 15%. In recent years, De Beers has undergone a dramatic transformation to meet the challenges and opportunities for its business in the 21st century.   Management team: De Beers Group  Chairman - Nicky Oppenheimer Managing Director (Group) - Gareth Penny Managing Director (DBCM) - David Noko Managing Director (DTC) - Varda Shine Find us: Corporate Headquarters:  Cnr Crownwood and Booysens Reserve Roads, Crown Mines, Johannesburg   Head Office: 36 Stockdale Street, Kimberley