Media OutReach
Government of the Republic of Botswana And De Beers Group Confirm Diamond Partnership For The Next Generation
Transformational agreements boost Botswana’s economic development potential and secure De Beers’ long-term share in world’s greatest diamond resources
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Botswana (the “Government of Botswana”) and De Beers Group (“De Beers”) announced that, following the conclusion of negotiations announced on 3 February 2025, the two partners have now signed the formal new agreements for a 10-year Sales Agreement (which may be extended by a further 5 years) and a 25-year extension of the Mining Licences (from 2029 through to 2054) for the 50:50 Debswana mining joint venture.
Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy for Botswana, said: “We are proud to announce the signing of this landmark new agreement, which will underpin the success of our diamond industry as we enter an exciting new phase of Botswana’s sustainable economic development. We hope that these agreements will bring some level of stability and rebuild market confidence in the diamond industry. We are looking forward to our renewed partnership with De Beers; together we will drive development through diamonds and build a brighter future for Batswana.”
Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, said: “These are groundbreaking agreements. The half-century partnership between the Government of Botswana and De Beers is considered the greatest public-private partnership in the world. Now we are both extending and improving it. For De Beers, it is a privilege to secure our ongoing participation in the world’s greatest diamond resources for decades to come. I am also extremely proud that through the Diamonds for Development Fund, we can further transform opportunities for the people of the world’s leading diamond country.”
In summary, the formal agreements represent:
- A 25-year extension of the Debswana mining licences from August 2029 to July 2054. This will enable the Debswana joint venture to deliver long-term value from its existing mining assets and mine life extension projects beyond the current mining licence period. Mine life extension projects include Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground and Orapa Cut-3.
- A renewed 10-year Sales Agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production, with a further five-year extension period where certain criteria are met. Under the renewed Sales Agreement, the Government of Botswana’s rough diamond sales company, Okavango Diamond Company (“ODC”), will sell 30% and De Beers will sell 70% of Debswana’s production for the first five years; for the subsequent five years ODC will sell 40% and De Beers will sell 60% of Debswana’s production; and both parties will sell a 50% share for the five-year extension period. As part of this arrangement, De Beers and ODC have also both committed to supply diamonds for beneficiation in Botswana in line with their share of Debswana supply.
In addition, a transformational package of commitments focused on supporting Botswana’s economic development objectives and advancement of the diamond industry has been agreed, including:
- The creation of the Diamonds for Development Fund to support economic growth, diversification and jobs in Botswana in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and National Development Plan. De Beers has committed to an upfront investment of BWP 1 billion (c. $75 million) and further annual contributions from its dividends from Debswana, based on Debswana’s performance.
- A package of initiatives to be undertaken by De Beers designed to enhance local beneficiation of diamonds and increase participation of the people of Botswana in the diamond industry. These include investment in a diamond jewellery manufacturing facility, establishment of a De Beers Institute of Diamonds grading laboratory and starting up a diamond vocational training institute in collaboration with industry partners.
- Co-investment by the Government of Botswana and De Beers in marketing initiatives to boost diamond demand. The marketing investments will be for category and other marketing programmes, agreed annually, aimed at stimulating rough diamond sales, protecting the ethical integrity of diamonds, and to maintain and build consumer confidence in the product. De Beers and the Government of Botswana have committed to co-invest over the life of the Sales Agreement and in proportion to their relative shares of Debswana supply.
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About Botswana
Botswana, a thriving democracy, is located in Southern Africa. It is the topmost producer of diamonds by value. Botswana is renowned for the rule of law, including respect for property rights. Heralded for its ease of doing business in the mining sector, it is by no coincidence that it is a premier investment destination for mining.
The Botswana government has placed a strong emphasis on effective management of its diamond resources, recognizing their pivotal role in the nation’s economic development. By exercising careful oversight and strategic partnerships, Botswana maximises revenue from diamond sales, strengthening its position as a key player in the global diamond market and ensuring that these valuable resources drive sustainable socio-economic growth. With a focus on sustainable practices, the government is dedicated to ensuring that the wealth generated from diamond mining contributes significantly to the welfare of its citizens. Revenue from these sales is strategically reinvested to foster growth, infrastructure development, and social programmes, ultimately positioning Botswana as a stable and prosperous socio-economic hub in the region. This commitment underscores the government’s vision of enhancing the livelihoods of its people while promoting overall national prosperity, thereby solidifying Botswana’s reputation as a forward-thinking and resilient nation in the face of global economic challenges.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
Media OutReach
GAC AION Unveils the Aion V: Redefining Electric Mobility with Advanced Technology and Design
Product Highlights
The AION V offers a WLTP range of 485km per charge, making it the longest-range option in Category A. It features 3C fast charging technology, allowing up to 300 km of range to be recharged in 15 minutes, the fastest charging EV in its category. Designed for comfort, it includes a spacious interior with 180-degree lie-flat front seats and massage seats, a first in its category.
Design and Luxury
The Aion V electric SUV features a T-Rex Cyber Design with geometric shapes and full LED headlights, available in eight colour options. The interior is designed for comfort and convenience, incorporating soft-touch materials, premium leather seating, and front seats with memory, massage, heating, and ventilation functions. Additional features include a smart multi-function refrigerator, a panoramic glass roof, and a 9-speaker premium sound system with noise-reducing cabin materials to enhance the driving experience.
Innovative Technology
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8155P processor and AEP 3.0 platform, the Aion V smart car is designed for efficient performance and responsive operation. It includes L2 intelligent driver assistance and intelligent navigation with charging station search capabilities for enhanced safety and convenience. Future models are set to be upgraded to L2+, incorporating automatic parking and highway drive assist. The vehicle also supports voice control, CarPlay, and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
Safety and Performance
The Aion V electric SUV is built with a high-strength body, utilising 72% lightweight materials and Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, designed to meet EURO NCAP’s 5-star safety standards. The battery has undergone extensive testing, demonstrating stability under various conditions. Safety features include a centre airbag, extended airbag curtain, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system, providing enhanced driver awareness and occupant protection.
Sustainable Impact
Aligned with sustainable transportation goals, the Aion V electric SUV operates under a zero-emissions design, reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency. Its 18-in-1 Integrated Power Unit achieves 17.2 kWh/100 km energy consumption, while Silicon Carbide Technology optimises power usage and extends driving range. The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery enhances safety, sustainability, and longevity, supporting the brand’s commitment to energy-efficient electric mobility.
“Our new Aion V model epitomises GAC AION’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can offer. We are not just selling cars; we’re paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future where electric mobility is accessible to everyone,” shared Ernest Tan, Deputy CEO, VINCAR Group.
Market Availability
The Aion V electric SUV will be available for purchase on 26 February 2025, exclusively through the authorised dealer GAC AION and VINCAR Group. It is priced at $174,988, with a launch discount of $6,000, bringing the effective price to $168,988. The price is valid until March 5, 2025, at 12 PM, and includes a COE rebate of $87,000 under the Non-Guaranteed 8 Bids scheme.
For more details or to book a test drive, visit the Aion V website.
Hashtag: #GACAION
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GAC AION
GAC AION is dedicated to advancing electric mobility, prioritising accessibility, transparency, and reliability. The company’s mission is to make electric vehicle ownership achievable for all, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to innovation and quality.
About VINCAR Group
VINCAR Group is a leading multi-brand car dealer and importer in Singapore, focused on innovation and customer experience. They offer in-house financing, leasing, insurance, and after-sales services, prioritising a customer-centric approach. Committed to value and quality, VINCAR Group provides competitive pricing and a diverse vehicle selection, ensuring reliability through their rigorous vetting process.
Media OutReach
Tineco Unveils Two Revolutionary Floor Washers with Super New Arrival Promotion Starting from February 28th
- Tineco launches two new floor washers: Floor One S9 Artist and Floor One Switch S7 Stretch
- Promotion available from February 28th to March 28th, 2025, with attractive gift-with-purchase and more!
- These innovative floor washers combine cutting-edge technology, energy efficiency, and sleek design for a superior cleaning experience
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – In response to the common challenges faced by homeowners—such as stubborn odours, tangled hair, and the inconvenience of using multiple cleaning tools—Tineco has unveiled its latest innovations: the Floor One S9 Artist and Floor One Switch S7 Stretch. These next-generation floor washers offer exceptional flexibility, powerful deep-cleaning performance, and an enhanced user experience, designed to meet the needs of today’s modern households.
FLOOR ONE S9 ARTIST: ADVANCED 360° CLEANING WITH HYPER STRETCH TECH AND SELF-CLEANING INNOVATION
The Floor One S9 Artist offers an advanced solution for modern homes. Featuring the 360° SmoothDrive Technology, it reduces handholding effort by 50%* through flexible left-right movement and a 90° Swivel Design, which adjusts the speed of the left and right wheels in real-time. In addition, the transmission of signals to the AI chip enables intelligent matching, ensuring smooth forward pushing, backward pulling, and effortless steering.
Additionally, the Floor One S9 Artist incorporates Hyper Stretch Technology, featuring a slim 12.85 cm flat height, which allows easy access under furniture to effectively remove hidden dust and ensure no corner is left untouched.
With exceptional cleaning performance, the Floor One S9 Artist features a Dual-Block Anti-Tangle Design that efficiently handles both pet and human hair without tangling. The MHCBS (Maintain Hygiene Clean Brush System) continuously rinses the brush with fresh water, while a squeegee presses against the roller brush to scrape off dirt and immediately sucks the dirty water into the wastewater tank. Additionally, the Flashdry Self-Cleaning System enhances cleaning efficiency by using 85°C hot air to heat fresh water, dissolving stains from the pipe to the brush roller for a deeper, more thorough self-cleaning result.
Upgrades were also made to enhance user experience, such as the Backtrack Water Erasure function that eliminates water streaks, and the Repositioned Clean Water Tank that enhances cleaning efficiency with reduced weight for effortless operation. The optional Electrolyzed Water feature delivers a superior cleaning experience, making the Floor One S9 Artist a versatile and user-friendly floor care solution.
FLOOR ONE SWITCH S7 STRETCH: THE 5-IN-1 CLEANING REVOLUTION FOR EFFORTLESS FLOOR CARE
The Floor One Switch S7 Stretch is a 5-in-1 cleaning tool, combining floor washing, vacuuming, crevice cleaning, soft surface care, and high-reach dusting into one compact device. Designed to replace traditional vacuums, it effortlessly handles wet and dry messes, including oily stains and hard-to-clean debris.
The Floor One Switch S7 Stretch revolutionizes floor cleaning with its advanced washing capabilities. With 22KPa of suction power, it effortlessly lifts dirt, debris, and hair, ensuring a deep and thorough clean every time. Like the Floor One S9 Artist, it features the MHCBS, which rinses the brush with fresh water 450 times per minute to guarantee spotless floors. The 180° lay-flat design and HyperStretch Technology allow it to clean under furniture and reach tight spaces as low as 13cm. Its Dual-Block Anti-Tangle Design prevents hair tangles, while dual-sided edge cleaning ensures no corner is left untouched. The FlashDry Self-Cleaning System utilizes fresh water heated to 85°C, combined with hot air, to dissolve stains and dry the brush in just 5 minutes, keeping it fresh and odour-free.
The Floor One Switch S7 Stretch also excels as a powerful vacuum cleaner. With its 5-stage filtration system which captures 99.97% of dust and debris as small as 0.3μm. Meanwhile, the ZeroTangle Brush effortlessly picks up hair without wrapping, and an LED headlight illuminates hard-to-reach areas, making cleaning under furniture effortless. The vacuum mode offers up to 70 minutes of runtime, powered by upgraded pouch cells that triple battery lifespan.
Images available in the media kit here.
AVAILABILITY & LAUNCH PROMOTIONS
| Device | Availability | Launch Promotions
T&Cs apply, while stocks last |
| Floor One S9 Artist | Available now on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and Mass Retailers | Free Tineco iCarpet Spot Cleaner (worth S$379) + 6 bottles of cleaning solution |
| Floor One Switch S7 Stretch | Available now on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and Mass Retailers | Free Tineco iCarpet Spot Cleaner (worth S$379) + 6 bottles of cleaning solution |
TINECO ROADSHOW AT PAVILION DAMANSARA HEIGHTS, KUALA LUMPUR
Happening on March 5th, Tineco will celebrate the launch of these two floor washers with a roadshow at Pavilion Damansara Heights (Centre Court), where visitors can try out the superior cleaning experience for themselves, score special deals and win prizes.
Hashtag: #Tineco
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Tineco
Founded in 1998, Tineco is a high-tech company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECOVACS Group (SHA: 603486). Dedicated to innovation, Tineco has consistently delivered smart home cleaning solutions that redefine convenience and efficiency. With the launch of the Floor One S9 Artist and Floor One Switch S7 Stretch, Tineco continues to lead the way in creating products that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
Media OutReach
Ne Zha 2 Dominates Hong Kong Box Office for Four Straight Days, Crowned 2025’s Top Film
The sequel to the 2019 hit “Ne Zha” premiered in Hong Kong on February 18 and hit the theaters on February 22, drawing enthusiastic crowds and critical acclaim. The film reimagines the mythical tale of Ne Zha—a divine warrior from Chinese folklore—with modern storytelling and cutting-edge animation, captivating audiences across the Chinese mainland since its Lunar New Year debut.
The Hong Kong premiere at Causeway Bay drew a star-studded crowd, including representatives from its Hong Kong and Macau distribution teams, local cultural figures, and residents. Industry professionals praised the film’s technical brilliance and narrative depth, with many cinemas, such as Kowloon Tong’s Festival Grand Cinema, scheduling near hourly screenings to meet demand.
Two Hong Kong moviegoers shared their excitement after attending early screenings. One resident remarked, “I don’t usually watch adult-oriented animated films, but this one is definitely worth watching. Chinese animation can now rival, or even surpass, foreign productions.” Another added, “Chinese animation keeps improving. Compared to films six years ago, the artwork is more beautiful, the visuals more vibrant, and the storytelling completely unexpected.”
LO Shuk-pui, Director of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, highlighted the film’s collaborative effort, stating, “The script is exceptionally well-written, with sharp dialogue and rich character development. I heard 138 companies worked on this project over five years—the dedication and technical excellence are evident.”
WONG Bak-ming, Chairman of Hong Kong’s Oriental Film Company, emphasized its cultural significance, noting that Ne Zha series has successfully brought traditional Chinese stories to the global stage. It proves Chinese animation can achieve world-class results, and they’re proud to contribute to this milestone.
Globally, Ne Zha 2 has grossed over $1.698 billion as of February 18, surpassing “Inside Out 2” to become the highest-grossing animated film in history and entering the top eight of the all-time global box office chart. Due to its sustained popularity, the film’s screening period in Chinese mainland has been extended to March 30.
From its mythological roots to its record-breaking success, Ne Zha 2 continues to redefine the possibilities of Chinese animation, bridging cultural heritage with global appeal.
Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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