(IDEX Online) - Botswana must avoid all involvement with "synthetic diamonds" to protect its most valuable natural resource, said a government minister.
Mmetla Masire told a parliamentary committee that engaging in their production or sale would compromise the value of its mined gems.
Botswana is the world's second biggest diamond producing nation after Russia, and diamonds account for 70 per cent of its exports by value.
It has four mines, operated by Debswana, equally owned by De Beers and the Botswana government, and is home to De Beers Sights.
Mr Masire, permanent secretary at the ministry of minerals, energy resources and water affairs, said: "Let's not compromise our diamonds. If we start production of synthetic diamonds or any association with them we will be compromising the value of our diamonds," according to a report on Botswana's The Voice news website.
He was adamant that synthetic diamonds would seriously impact on the value of Botswana's mined diamonds and send confusing message to its customers.
Mmetla Masire pictured in a TV screen grab