Mountain Province has reported positive drilling results at several targets.

The coloured gems miner as achieved record revenue of $43.7 million in its latest emerald auction, held in the second half of May.

The ministry, however, did not rule out the government taking minority stakes when granting licences.

The southern African country is reeling from power cuts of up to 12 hours daily.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi threats to walk away from the negotiations if Botswana fails to secure a bigger share of rough diamonds produced by Debswana.

Namibia is one of Africa’s biggest producers of diamonds and largest of uranium.

The country will not back down on demands for a bigger share of rough diamonds from JV with the company, Mokgweetsi Masisi said.