"If Botswana pushes too hard," warns one mining analyst, "De Beers might divert capital to newer discoveries in Canada or Angola. You don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg—but you also don't let the goose starve the farmer."
The biggest argument for the "raw deal" theory isn't necessarily De Beers' greed, but the timing of the market. Botswana is fighting for a larger share of a natural diamond market that is facing an existential crisis from Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs). "If Botswana pushes too hard," warns one mining
The diamond industry has also had a significant impact on the people of Botswana. The industry has created jobs and generated revenue, but it has also been criticized for its treatment of workers and its impact on local communities. "If Botswana pushes too hard