With the rapid influx of diamond exploration companies, in particular marine operators, Namibia has legislated a new Diamond Act, which will further control and regulate the production and sale of rough diamonds. Several foreign companies are involved in the development or exploration of potential kimberlitic and alluvial deposits. Unfortunately the security situation has not assisted in this process. It is not known when hostilities will cease, if at all. Diamond production from the DRC continues with 21 million carats being produced in 1998 making the DRC the second largest producers of diamonds after Botswana.
Artisinal production contributes more than two thirds of production.
Mining Companies active De Beers is the largest diamond mining and marketing company in the world and is active with 14 operational mines in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania. De Beers Marine has 8 marine mining and exploration vessels, of which 6 are in active in Namibia with the remaining in South African waters. These mines between them account for around half of the world's output of rough gem diamonds by value. A relative newcomer to South Africa, Southern Era has rapidly become the producer of the best quality diamonds in the world from its operations at the Klipspringer mine in South Africa. Although high grade, the life of mine on Klipspringer is not known.