Botswana regained in 2010 the spot of the world's biggest rough diamond producer by value, after it had slipped to second place in 2009, says latest official statistics.
In 2009, local miner Debswana - a joint venture between Be Beers and the Botswana government - had slashed production due to the global economic downturn.
According to statistics release by the Kimberley Process, a UN certified scheme, despite Russia producing more rough diamonds in 2010 at 34 million carats worth around $2.38 billion, Botswana's 22 million carats mined in 2010 were worth around $2.59 billion -- $210 million dollars more than Russia.
Russia became the top producer by volume. It had held the top spot for both categories in 2009, Xinhua reported.
In 2011, Debswana plans to produce 25 million carats.
The Kimberley Process is a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds - rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments.
It has 49 members - representing 75 countries - with the European Community and its member states counting as an individual participant.
Other top diamond producers by volume in 2010 included the Democratic Republic of Congo with 20.17 million carats, South Africa with 13.67 million carats, Canada with 11.8 million carats, Zimbabwe with 8.44 million carats and Angola with 8. 36 million carats.
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