The Debswana restructure has hit a "major milestone," with the company in the process of placing senior and middle management teams at its diamond mines, the company has reported. After management teams are placed in the field, Debswana will consult with the Botswana Mine Workers Union on placing other Debswana employees at the mines.

The restructure is projected to impact 607 jobs by the end of 2010, and another 671 jobs might be outsourced, as it has been indicated that third parties could be more effective providers of certain services.



The restructure currently underway is part of the Debswana North Star Strategy, adopted in 2006, and is being implemented under the Operations Review project. The project – created with the aim of streamlining the diamond company's organization – launched in July 2008 after the initial diagnostic phase noted areas in which Debswana could operate more efficiently.

By implementing the restructure, Debswana sought to achieve safe, superior diamond production while attaining a benchmark unit cost performance; improve productivity; and develop a "culture of execution." In addition, the restructure was intended to improve the company's organizational effectiveness and ensure continued business improvement, while responding in a proactive manner to changes in business requirements of the diamond trade.

Moreover, the restructure was intended to improve Debswana's competitiveness and value for its employees, shareholders, and the local community in which it operates; as well as ensuring the company's sustainability and growth.



Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Ltd is a joint venture between De Beers and the Government of Botswana and is the De Beers Group diamond supplier's major producer.