Namdeb Diamond Corporation, a joint venture between the Namibian government and De Beers Group, has unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond recovered from its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund. This significant discovery is the largest diamond of its kind found at the operation in two decades. The stone was unveiled at a ceremony attended by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and other stakeholders. The discovery comes as the global natural diamond industry faces a difficult period.
The diamond, named Owishi by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, is a rare find and has been given a distinctly Namibian identity. Owishi is named after a rare type of honey found underground, regarded as a prized discovery. The President described the discovery as a significant milestone for Namdeb and a source of pride for Namibia. She highlighted the wider economic importance of mining to the country, emphasizing that the wealth beneath Namibia's soil should become a source of shared prosperity for all Namibians.
Namibia's diamond industry has historically been an important source of export earnings, government revenue, and employment. Namdeb's operations in the country's south and along the Atlantic coast form a significant part of the sector. However, the industry is facing a changing market, with producers under pressure from changing consumer preferences, competition from laboratory-grown diamonds, and weaker demand in key markets. This shift has increased the pressure on diamond-producing countries to capture more value locally.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater innovation and adaptability in the industry, including the development of cutting and polishing, jewelry manufacturing, and other related activities. She emphasized that such opportunities would need to be guided by market demand, appropriate skills, and technology. The push comes as Namibia seeks to increase the economic benefits generated from its mineral resources and develop activities further along the mining value chain.
Martha Uumati, Namdeb's board chairperson, said the stone represented more than an unusual mining discovery, pointing to the value of natural diamonds and the partnership between the Namibian government and De Beers. She credited the hands, expertise, discipline, and dedication of the Namdeb men and women who safely recover Namibia's diamonds every day. The company said the discovery provided an opportunity to highlight the people, communities, and national development supported by Namibia's natural diamond industry.
The value of the 176.29-carat stone was not disclosed, and its eventual destination, including whether it will be sold as a rough diamond or processed further, was also not detailed in the announcement. The discovery gives Namibia another high-profile natural diamond with which to promote the country's diamond heritage at a time when producers globally are reassessing how the industry can remain commercially viable.
The unveiling of the Owishi diamond took place on October 2, 2026, at a ceremony attended by representatives of the Namdeb and Namdeb Holdings boards, the Namibia Diamond Trading Company, De Beers Group, government officials, and other stakeholders. The discovery is seen as a significant find for Namdeb and a boost to Namibia's diamond industry, which is working to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
Key points
- Namdeb Diamond Corporation unveils 176.29-carat natural diamond from Southern Coastal Mine
- The diamond industry faces pressure from changing consumer preferences and competition from laboratory-grown diamonds
- Namibia seeks to increase economic benefits from mineral resources and develop activities along the mining value chain
