The Namibia Diamond Consumer Confidence awareness campaign was officially launched by the Hounourable Erkki Nghimtina, Minister of Mines and Energy yesterday.  The Project is an effort by the diamond industry to raise awareness on the issues of conflict diamonds and to tell the story of the goods that diamonds do for Namibia. Minister Nghimtina said: “It goes without saying that the mining industry in Namibia has been, since the turn of the century, one of the corner stones of the economy.” According to the Minister, Namibia is well known for gem quality diamonds as well as a wide range of other minerals. “In contributing approximately 12.5% to the GDP, mining continues to be an important generator of export and foreign exchange, and acts as a catalyst towards the provision and extension of infrastructures within the country. In Namibia, diamonds account for more than 40% of our country’s export revenue, 7% of the government revenue and more than 10% of GDP,” he said. The occasion was attended by dignitaries from the embassies of Russia, Brazil, UK and industry leaders in the diamond fraternity.
	During his speech, the Minister made it clear that although Namibia has never been involved in conflict diamonds, it does not mean that the country should turn a blind eye to the dangers posed by smuggling, illicit diamond dealings and other related activities. Conflict diamonds is the term used to describe diamonds which are illegally traded to fund conflicts. The United Nations defines conflict diamonds as ‘….diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the security council.’ In recent times, conflicts in some poorest parts of Africa have often focused on rebels controlling their country’s natural resources and assets; for example, oil, wood, minerals and also diamonds to fund their activities. The Minister also made reference to a blockbuster Hollywood movie called “Blood Diamond” starring famous actor Leanardo DiCaprio, that is due for release in mid December in the US.  The film is fictional and is set against the backdrop of conflict and war during the civil war Sierra Leone in the 1990’s. It dramatizes the involvement of the diamond industry in the illicit trade of conflict diamonds whilst showing the use of child soldiers, slave labour, the brutality of the rebels and realities of alluvial digging. According to the Minister, Namibia and the diamond industry in general sees the release of this movie as an opportunity to talk about  the steps that has so far been taken to prevent illegal trade in conflict diamonds such as the countries participation in the Kimberley Process and any further debate stimulated by the film. The Minister however cautioned that it was important that the world does not forget that diamonds are a hugely important natural resource for Southern Africa and Namibia. Income from diamonds will make it possible for Namibia to meet the objectives of Vision 2030 through supporting the economy, health, education and employment sectors, diamonds are helping to transform the economy and the lives of Namibian people for the better. In conclusion the Minister assured the audience that Namibians can rest assured that 99.8% of diamonds are certified conflict free and they must have trust in the integrity of diamonds and in the practices of the industry.