Lesotho’s King Letsie III visits Antwerp diamond industry

Last weekend, King Letsie III of Lesotho visited Antwerp. During his four-day visit, he got an exclusive tour behind the scenes of the Antwerp diamond industry. This visit underscores the excellent trade relationships Antwerp and the southern African diamond producer have enjoyed over the past decades.

Although Lesotho is a relatively small diamond producer, it’s importance for the global diamond industry cannot be underestimated. In 2011, in terms of value, Antwerp imported the vast majority of Lesotho’s total rough diamond production, for a total of 114,525.60 carats or 352 million USD.

King Letsie visited the HRD diamond lab, Diamond Office, Gemdiamonds and the Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility, where First Element was tendering goods from the Lesotho Liqhobong mijn. In addition, he went to the Antwerp Fashion Museum and the diamond museum in Bruges.

Ari Epstein, CEO of the AWDC: “We are very honored to have His Majesty King Letsie III as our guest as it underscores the strong ties between Lesotho and Antwerp. In terms of value, 96.2% diamonds mined in Lesotho pass through Antwerp, which is quit impressive. In addition, since the opening of the Antwerp Diamond Tender Facility in October 2012, half of the goods offered, were diamonds from Lesotho. Needless to say, we are very pleased Antwerp is the preferred trading partner of Lesotho.”