THE Namibian government and the De Beers corporation are to set up a new company to mine diamonds offshore. The new company, De Beers Marine Namibia, would immediately acquire four South African ships, the government and De Beers said in a joint statement. The new company would be owned 70% by De Beers and 30% by Namdeb Diamond Corporation, which is a 50-50 joint venture between De Beers and the government. The government and De Beers would also set up a second gem-cutting factory in Namibia which will initially employ at least 100 people, the statement said. – AFP