25 September 2008
The De Beers research and development arm in Johannesburg last week hosted two University of Botswana teams during which members of the faculty of engineering and library services toured the Research and Development and Geo Science laboratories.
De Beers Botswana had extended an invitation to the faculty members to enable them to witness firsthand the possibility of collaboration between the two organizations.
DebTech is the arm of the De Beers Group that focuses on mining and metallurgical research. DebTech provides products, services and knowledge that give the De Beers family of companies, including Debswana, a competitive advantage in exploration, mining and ore treatment.
In an interview following the tour, the Head of DebTech Domingos Valbom said that "We welcomed the opportunity to share some of our knowledge and showcase some of our capabilities. Furthermore, I hope that there is a better understanding from DebTech, the University of Botswana and the Innovation Hub teams of the requirements and benefits in creating a sustainable technological development capability in Botswana."
Commenting on the visit, the Head of the University of Botswana Research Delegation, Dr. Bonny Matshediso said "The visit exposed us to world-class diamond processing products and services. A window was opened for UB researchers to explore further opportunities for collaborative research with Deb Tech".
When officially opening the DebTech laboratory in 1948, the then Chairman of the De Beers Consolidated Mines Sir Ernest Oppenheimer said " No great industry can exist or develop without comprehensive research and I firmly believe that the establishment of this laboratory will be to the benefit of all those directly or indirectly concerned with it."
This statement remains true today, said a company spokesperson. It was the DebTech scientists who designed, installed and commissioned the Aquarium at Jwaneng mine in year 2000. The Aquarium is the first and only completely automated diamond recovery plant in the world.
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