Namdeb Diamond Corporation is pleased to announce its Results for the year ended 31 December 2006.  Namdeb Managing Director, Inge Zaamwani highlighted an increase of 27% in carats produced for the year, which she attributed to an increase in land-based production at the mine’s No 3 Plant, Pocket Beaches as well as increased marine production. This resulted in overall production at Namdeb to exceed 2 million carats for the first time. The diamond sales revenue has increased by 34% to N$5,4 billion compared to 2005, which was at N$4,0 billion and this was mainly due to the increase in carats sold.    The cost of sales has increased to N$3,6 billion from N$2,7 billion and this was impacted by higher equipment expenses, fuel price increases, increased mining activity, and normal inventory fluctuations. Namdeb continues to invest substantial capital on an annual basis to find new reserves and discover ways of economically mining and treating previously uneconomic reserves, thereby extending the life of the land operations.  Prospecting and R&D include a substantial investment in the future especially on the Marine Dredging project.  Several strategic projects were progressed during 2006.  These projects will, apart from extending the life of land based mining, also secure continued employment for many Namdeb employees. Taxes for the year amount to N$989 million, an increase of 51% over that of 2005, while the total Taxation represents 76% of pre tax profits (2005: 84%).  Total dividends declared to the Shareholders amounted to N$270 million. This has been achieved against the background of substantial capital expenditure intended to ensure Namdeb’s future sustainability.  Click here to view the 2006 Namdeb financial results.