The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is making arrangements to start a laboratory in Gaborone, Botswana, by the fourth quarter.
GIA not only hopes to open a lab but also to start its educational classes by the first quarter of 2009. It has hired more than 20 local staff, who will be given scholarships, education and training said a report.
Tom Moses, GIA Laboratory and Research Senior Vice President said, "We believe GIA reports will help add value to the high-quality diamonds being mined and now cut in Botswana, and our office in the Diamond Technology Park will serve the industry there and the people of Botswana."
With the opening of the lab, GIA will have a total of four labs outside the United States.