Diamond Production Surges Nearly 50 Percent in Third Quarter of 2025

Diamond Production Surges Nearly 50 Percent in Third Quarter of 2025. Diamond production recorded a strong rebound in the third quarter of 2025, rising by 49.5 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures released by Statistics Botswana.

Data from the Index of the Physical Volume of Mining Production, Third Quarter 2025 Stats Brief shows that diamond output increased to 6,127 thousand carats during the quarter. This represents an increase of 2,029 thousand carats from the 4,098 thousand carats produced in the third quarter of 2024.

Statistics Botswana noted that the recovery marks a significant turnaround for the sector after a prolonged period of contraction. Diamond production had declined for six consecutive quarters starting in the first quarter of 2024, making the latest figures the first notable improvement since that period.

According to the report, the improved performance was largely driven by operational factors. “The improvement in production mainly reflects better plant performance, as operations ran at full capacity during the third quarter of 2025,” Statistics Botswana stated.

The data also points to a sharp increase when comparing production levels to the previous quarter. Quarter-on-quarter figures show that diamond output rose by 123.9 percent, equivalent to an additional 3,391 thousand carats. Production increased from 2,736 thousand carats in the second quarter of 2025 to 6,127 thousand carats in the third quarter.

The significant quarter-on-quarter growth highlights a marked change in production momentum within a short period. Statistics Botswana attributed this increase to the same operational efficiencies cited in the year-on-year comparison, particularly improved plant performance and full-capacity operations during the quarter under review.

The latest statistics provide an updated snapshot of activity in Botswana’s mining sector and underscore the impact of operational conditions on production volumes. The third quarter results contrast sharply with the subdued performance recorded over the previous six quarters.

Statistics Botswana releases the Index of the Physical Volume of Mining Production to track changes in output across the mining sector, offering insight into trends and shifts in production levels over time.